This month’s theme is education, and, from people to programs, Volusia County Schools has so much to celebrate.
First, I am excited to share that the graduation rate for VCS rose 2.1% for the 2023-2024 school year, bringing us to 93.7%. This achievement puts us in the top 10 for graduation rates out of Florida’s 67 school districts. Additionally, nine of our 10 traditional high schools saw improved graduation rates. This is a testament to the hard work of both our students and our educators, without whom such accomplishments would not be possible.
On the subject of amazing teachers, we recently held our annual Teacher of the Year celebration, my favorite event of the year. Recognizing these incredible educators who are so dedicated to seeing their students succeed is its own reward. The imprint they leave on their students goes beyond grades and test scores. I was proud to announce Jeremy Davies as our 2026 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Davies teaches International Baccalaureate Math Analysis and Approaches at his alma mater, Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange. His students describe him as a role model, and his teaching methods have not only led to students enjoying math but improving their test scores as well. Congratulations, again, to Mr. Davies.
February is National Career and Technical Education Month, and in Volusia County we have plenty to celebrate when it comes to such programs. Our CTE programs and academies give students hands-on experiences as well as the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, giving them a competitive edge in the job market in a variety of fields, including aerospace, education, health science, welding, and more. These programs and academies also help us further connect our students with local business and industry leaders, an initiative we are always looking to grow. By working together, we are creating the kind of environment that gives every student the opportunity to explore their potential as they move toward building a successful future. If you want to get involved, contact CTE Specialist Tiffany McCann at tlmccan1@volusia.k12.fl.us.
Another part of ensuring that our students are moving in the right direction is making sure we are equipping them with the technology they need to thrive in an ever-changing global society. I recently visited one of our elementary schools where artificial intelligence helps students with their reading by correcting their pronunciation. Technology is transforming the learning experience, which is why we are also holding upcoming webinars to keep parents and students informed about the kinds of technology being employed.
We appreciate your continued support as we work toward giving students the best educational experience possible. Also, a big thank you to our teachers, students, staff and community for getting 2025 off to a good start.
