- April 19, 2024
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The Volusia County School Board put off two major decisions at their March 15 meeting but approved the sale of Hurst Elementary School for the creation of a center to assist homeless families, called Hope Place.
Board member Linda Costello was absent, and Chairwoman Ida Wright made a motion to postpone the vote for school uniforms and a vote to eliminate the pass/fail rule for school athletics, so all members can be present. A special meeting will be held March 29 for both votes.
“This is the community coming together.”
FOROUGH HOSSEINI, on Hope Place
The School Board voted to sell Hurst Elementary School, 1340 Wright St., Daytona Beach, to the county so it can be used by Halifax Urban Ministries. Named Hope Place, the facility will provide shelter, food and transitional services for families.
Hurst has been closed as a school since 2010. The sale price was $200,000.
Speaking in favor of the sale was Forough Hosseini, of Ormond Beach, vice president of ICI Homes, who said Hope Place will help families put their lives back together.
Hosseini, who is active in several community organizations, pointed out many members of the business community in the audience who are lending their support.
“This is the community coming together,” she said.
The long debate on school uniforms could finally end when the School Board votes on March 29.
The pass/fail rule for athletics will also be on the March 29 agenda. State law requires that a student maintain a 2.0 grade point average to take part in sports. The Volusia County School Board rule is more strict, requiring a student to pass every class required for graduation, even if they have a 2.0 average. The School Board will consider making the School Board policy the same as the state.
Meanwhile, the School Board and Volusia Teachers Organization held a bargaining session March 14 which ended without progress toward a contract. The union seeks a 2% raise this school year, retroactive to the middle of the year, and a 2% raise July 1. The School Board offered a 4% raise as of July 1. The sides have also not been able to come to terms on insurance. Since the talks are at impasse, the matter will go to a special magistrate on March 30 who will send a recommendation to the School Board, which will make the final decision on the contract.
