Closing out our 2022-23 school year, I am filled with gratitude and admiration for our entire Volusia County Schools family: our students, staff, families and community members, whose dedication to the mission of learning has made educational excellence possible for our students. We end this school year on a high note and have so much to celebrate.
I’ve seen our graduating class of 2023 remain committed to their studies. I’ve seen them grow in ways they might never have imagined and persevere in times of challenge and significant change. I commend all of our students for facing the triumphs and challenges of this school year and for learning and building positive relationships with each other.
Supporting each of our students is the magic of our staff and community. Staff and community help us ensure that all our students receive an outstanding academic education that instills thoughtfulness and good character. The work of our teachers, classified staff, administrators, and community members is producing impressive outcomes for our students. We have improved graduation rates, increased teacher retention and a more diversified academic program, including Advanced Placement, expanded pre-kindergarten, gifted and International Baccalaureate programs, dual language programs and a robust, ever-expanding Career and Technical Education program in our middle and high schools.
This summer, we will be busy reviewing our work and planning for the 2023-24 school year. We will host professional growth academies for our staff and update our Strategic Plan. Our summer school programs will be strong. Our maintenance and custodial staff members will be deep cleaning our schools, and annual school bus maintenance will occur. As our district steadily grows, we will continue carefully managing our resources. New teaching and support positions will be added responsibly to meet our students and staff’s most pressing needs.
Setting sights for next school year, we look forward to offering students new and fresh learning opportunities. We will continue our work toward educational excellence for all students, where classrooms foster a culture of positivity. We will do this by continuously examining and improving our practices focusing on core instruction, remediation and enrichment opportunities. Together we can help equip our young scholars with tools for success, prosperity and meaningful contribution to our community and the world.
I am continually grateful to lead this dynamic school district, and I am especially appreciative to our entire VCS family for all you do to support our students. Our students, staff and community members inspire me each day. I wish you a wonderful and safe summer full of things you enjoy and love.
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools
