Investing in students: Volusia County Schools celebrates its second consecutive 'A' grade

Volusia County Schools held a press conference at Mainland High School on Thursday, Aug. 13, to celebrate being an 'A' rated district for the second year in a row.

  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • News
  • Share

Volusia County Schools was named an "A" district for the second year in a row by the Florida Department of Education.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, the school district celebrated the milestone during a press conference at Mainland High School, where speakers — composed of students, the school's principal and district leaders — highlighted the achievement by sharing stories and statistics illustrating students' accomplishments.

"If you want a strong future, you invest in your students," Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said. "You invest into your school systems, and you ensure, as a community, that the decisions that are being made will always put students first. That's what it's about. We face many challenges on a daily basis, but when we always put students at the center of everything that we do, rest assured that you are making the right decision."

Achievement stats

The school district earned its first A in 16 years for the 2024-2025 school year. As the 14th largest school district in the state, VCS employs over 8,000 people and has about 60,000 students. 

To be named an "A" for the 2025-2026 school year, the district obtained 66 percentage points; districts that earn 65% or higher are considered an "A" rated district by FDOE, which uses a grading formula based on 12 components. In total, VCS earned 797 points, the highest its ever earned, Balgobin said. 

The district highlighted the following achievements during the press conference:

  • 100% of traditional elementary, middle and high schools achieved proficiency — grades of A, B or C. 
  • All traditional high schools earned an "A" or a "B" for the second consecutive year. Seabreeze and Mainland High School both earned an "A."
  • 90% of Volusia's schools are rated an "A" or "B."
  • 11 middle schools increased or maintained their school grade.
  • Two middle schools improved from a "C" to a "B".
  • Two middle schools improved from a "B" to an "A." This includes Hinson Middle School.
  • Eight elementary schools improved to an "A." This includes Pathways Elementary.
  • The graduation rate for all VCS schools and charter schools is 95.6%. The graduation rate for the district's 11 traditional high schools is 98.6%
  • The district has grown its Career and Technical Education programs from 162 in 2023 to 319 in 2026. 
  • The number of certifications achieved by students is also up, going from 2,675 in 2023 o 7,600 in 2026. 

"Every single one of these numbers talks about students learning, and that's important," Chair Ruben Colon said. 

He invited his fellow board members to speak during the press conference as well. School Board member Donna Brosemer, who represents District 4 and has been critical of the district's grade, did not attend the event.

"The positivity movement is a good thing for our community," Board member Krista Goodrich said. "Let's keep it going. Let's celebrate the achievements that every, student, every teacher, every principal, every district member has done."

Buc Pride 

Mainland High School earned its second consecutive "A" grade. Principal Missy Fraine said the accomplishment means "more than just a letter grade" for the Buc family.

"It reflects the determination of our students, our scholars, the beautiful commitment of our faculty and our staff daily, and the heartfelt belief of our entire school community," Fraine said, "As a proud Mainland graduate of class of 1985, and now the principal of this incredible school, it's difficult to put into words what these moments truly mean to my heart."

On the district's "A," Fraine said it reflects the collective dedication to help students succeed. She also commented on recent criticism surrounding the school and district grades, saying that educators and district leaders dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of students.

"Our opportunities for growth should never overshadow the extraordinary work that is taking places in our classrooms and our schools every day," Fraine said. "Our students deserve to have their accomplishments celebrated with pride and joy, and our teachers and staff deserve to have their dedication recognized. Moments of success should not be allowed to shine without that fear of being suffocated by negativity."

The student perspective

Two Mainland students and one recent DeLand High School graduate shared their experiences with VCS at the press conference.

Michya Hickey is a Mainland senior, cheerleader and SGA vice president. Mainland, she said, has helped bolster her confidence and grow as a leader for incoming freshmen. 

"There have been plenty of times where I've struggled with classes or felt stress trying to balance cheer, school, and everything else," she said. "Even though those times were hard, Mainland has taught me to never give up. I've learned to keep trying until I get right. I've learned that it's okay to ask for help, and that sometimes you just have to keep going."

Mainland senior Shawn Holmes, a football player who is dual enrolled at Daytona State and is also part of SGA, said his school has molded him into becoming a hard worker in everything he does. 

"Mainland has impacted me the most by giving me opportunities to discover what I am capable of," Holmes said. "I've been challenged to step outside my comfort zone countless times and take on more responsibility, which is preparing me for my life after graduation."

Mackenzie Cunningham graduated from DeLand High in 2023. She now works as a legislative aide for Florida Rep. Webster Barnaby and spoke about how the agricultural education CTE program at her school helped her develop a passion for public speaking and leadership.

"The skills that I learned were cultivated by every single individual that I ever had the chance to interact with in Volusia County Schools," Cunningham said. "The programs, the educators, every single individual employed in the county, and our school board members, are the reasons that I have the skills and the confidence that I need to communicate ideas effectively, to hold a conversation with industry leaders without using filler words, and to be able to step into an office in Tallahassee with a state representative at 21 years old for a job interview with a firm handshake and a smile on my face."

Hearing their stories, Balgobin said, made her emotional because it's a reminder of the district's purpose.

"That's the beauty of public education," she said. "It is the catalyst for transforming any community."

 

×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.