Kristy Castellanos, Volusia County Schools

08/18/2026

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to attend Being A Reader training alongside our teachers and ELA team. 📚

Professional learning is most powerful when we learn with and from each other. There is something special about being in a room with educators from different schools, sharing ideas, making connections, and learning from one another’s experiences.

We grow stronger when we learn together, and today was a great reminder of the power in the room when educators come together with a shared commitment to our students. 💙
Volusia County Schools
VCS Elementary C&I

08/11/2026

🎉📚 And just like that… WE’RE BACK! 📚🎉

The first day of school is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! There’s nothing like the energy of a new school year! Smiling faces, fresh school supplies, big hugs, excited teachers, and LOTS of learning ahead! ❤️

Here’s to a school year filled with growth, joy, big dreams, and LOTS to celebrate! ✨

Day 1 = DONE! ✔️

Now let’s make this the BEST year yet! 🥳🍎📚

Volusia County Schools

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

This recognition is about so much more than a letter grade. It represents what is possible when an entire community comes together with a shared commitment to our students.

Our schools are the heart of Volusia County. Every school, every classroom, every employee, every family, and every community partner contributes to this success. Together, we are creating opportunities, changing lives, and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff, school leaders, district teams, and community for earning an “A” district for the second consecutive year. This achievement belongs to all of us.
Volusia County Schools
Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent Volusia County Schools
Dr. Julio Valle Jr., Chief Academic Officer, Volusia County Schools

➡️IMPORTANT A-NNOUNCEMENT

We’re thrilled to share that, for the second year in a row, VCS is an “A” rated district!

This is the result of a true team effort.

Our students, teachers, staff, and families are the heart of this success, demonstrating every day what can be accomplished through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

We're also grateful for the support of our School Board members, VCS Partners in Education, elected officials, community organizations, and volunteers who help strengthen our schools and support student achievement.

An accomplishment such as this takes an entire community working together, and that’s exactly what Volusia County does best.

Visit https://www.vcsedu.org/news/~board/district-news/post/volusia-county-schools-earns-back-to-back-a-district-grade for more details and a breakdown of school grades.

Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent Volusia County Schools
Dr. Julio Valle Jr., Chief Academic Officer, Volusia County Schools
Florida Department of Education
Heartland Educational Consortium
Panhandle Area Educational Consortium
NEFEC

06/27/2026

The 2026 Florida assessment results are a reflection of what is possible when an entire school district is united around a shared purpose.

Behind every gain in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies is a team of dedicated professionals working together to support our students. Success happens because every department is committed to the same goal of ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. From our teachers and school leaders to transportation, operations, technology, finance, human resources, student services, food and nutrition, exceptional student education, and curriculum and instruction, every person plays an essential role in student achievement.

I am grateful to serve alongside colleagues who understand that our greatest accomplishments come through collaboration. When we work together, support one another, and remain focused on students, incredible things happen.

Thank you to Dr. Carmen Balgobin for leading with a clear vision and fostering a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement. Her leadership reminds us that student success is everyone’s responsibility.

Congratulations to our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, School Board members, families, and community partners. These results belong to all of us, and they inspire us to continue building opportunities for every child to thrive.

The Florida Department of Education has released the 2026 spring assessment results, which show continued growth for VCS across subjects spanning English language arts, math, science, and social studies.

"We are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made. These improved FAST reading and math scores, along with gains in science and end-of-course exams, are more than numbers to us. They represent real children growing in confidence, real classrooms filled with curiosity, and real educators pouring their hearts into teaching every single day," Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent Volusia County Schools, said. "Our students, teachers, and staff worked extremely hard for these results, and our families, Volusia County School Board members, and community stood right beside them. In Volusia County Schools, we believe in the power of collective effort, and today’s data shows that belief in action. We will continue building on this momentum so every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond."

Families can now view student reports and resources through the state's website or school portal.

Next up: School and district grades for the 2025-26 school year! (ETA within the next two weeks.)

For grade highlights, follow the link below:

https://www.vcsedu.org/news/~board/district-news/post/florida-department-of-education-releases-2026-spring-assessment-results-1782506874757

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Principal Gordon on this incredible and well-deserved recognition!

For more than 20 years, Julie has made a lasting impact on students, staff, families, and the Volusia Pines community through her dedication, leadership, and heart for others. Volusia County Schools is proud to celebrate her as the City of Lake Helen honors her contributions and designates June 11, 2026, as Julie Gordon Day.

Congratulations, Julie! 💚🎉
Volusia County Schools
VCS Elementary C&I

06/11/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Balgobin, on this well-deserved recognition. I’ve seen firsthand the passion and commitment you bring to creating opportunities for students, and this honor reflects the impact of your leadership.
I’m proud to be part of a district that continues to expand pathways for students through our incredible CTE programs. Congratulations to all of our CTE teachers and leaders who make this work possible every day.
Volusia County Schools
VCS CTE

Volusia County Schools is proud to celebrate Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin for being selected as the recipient of the 2026 Florida Association For Career & Technical Education (FACTE) Superintendent of the Year Award.

This recognition highlights her continued commitment to expanding high-quality Career and Technical Education opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships, and helping students build meaningful pathways to college, careers, and life.

Through Dr. Balgobin’s leadership and vision, Volusia County Schools continues to support programs that prepare students with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need for successful futures.

Congratulations, Dr. Balgobin, and all of our CTE programs and teachers, on this well-deserved honor!

Skills Build Futures.

VCS Partners in Education
VCS CTE
Florida Department of Education
Florida Association of School Administrators
NEFEC
National School Public Relations Association

06/03/2026

Celebrating excellence across Volusia County Schools! 🎉

Congratulations to our schools recognized for outstanding achievement and growth in academics, ESE performance, attendance, and safety. These recognitions reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and leaders who work every day to ensure success for every learner.

We are proud of each school honored and grateful for the commitment, collaboration, and passion that continue to move our district forward.

Together, we are building a culture of excellence where every future begins

06/03/2026

Congratulation to our new leaders!