From The Desk of Superintendent Dr. Ronald “Scott” Fritz
Hello Volusia County Parents,
I am Superintendent of Volusia County Schools, Dr. Scott Fritz. Here’s what I’m looking to implement this school year and for the future:
Elementary School:
- Push early literacy programs in the areas of the county that need it the most
- Start preparing students for the Florida Standards Assessments in second grade rather than third grade
- “Looping” high-impact teachers, so they stay with the same students for two years
- Greater emphasis on writing
Middle School:
- Combining sixth and seventh grade math
- Introducing algebra sooner in some cases, as well as introducing geometry to students earlier
- A voluntary program in seventh grade where schools give the top 20% of students a chance to take the SAT, a college-readiness exam, while parents are being educated about paths and opportunities for students in high school.
High School:
- Shifting the culture away from what credits students need to graduate, to what skills are needed to reach their post-secondary goals.
- This could include going to a four-year college or learning how to follow a recipe for a student
- Schedule students for high-level classes like Advanced Placement, based on the potential shown in their FSA scores.
- Teachers will be instructed to use lesson plans provided by the College Board for AP classes, rather than ones they create themselves, as well as tutoring and mock exams throughout the year paid for by the schools.
- Schedule the Pre-SAT exam for ninth and 10th graders, paid for by the school
- Schedule the SAT exam for 11th and 12th graders, paid for by the school
- Standardize practices across the district by asking the most effective teachers what they’re doing right.
Just the Facts:
General Budget: $535,700,700
Capital Budget: $327,100,000
Total Cost per Student
per Year: $9,327
Percent of Budget Spent on Instruction: 61%
Number of Schools: 85
Number of Students: 63,000
Graduation Rate: 84.5%
Percent of Students on Free or Reduced Lunch: 64.4%
Student Ethnicity:
58% White, 19% Hispanic, 16% African-American, 2% Asian, 5% other
District Grade: B
Student Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Top 25 Frequently Called Numbers
DeLand: 386-734-7190
Daytona: 386-255-6475
New Smyrna Beach: 386-427-5223
Osteen: 386-860-3322
General Information x 20000
Area Superintendent x 20237 or 20777
Superintendent of Schools x 20210
Alternative Programs x 20645
Elementary School Services x 20571
ESE Prog/Student Services x 33253
Extended Day x 50717
Facilities x 50764
Financial and Bus. Services x 20322
FUTURES Foundation x 50723
Gifted x 20463
Guidance x 20538
High School Services x 20674
Human Resources x 20090
Instructional Services x 20692
Middle School Services x 20674
Professional Standards x 20256
Records x 20433
School Way Café x 50727
Student Discipline x 20061
Title I x 33231
Transportation-Routing x 50550
Volunteers/Partners x 38380
World Languages x 33231
Zoning/Variances x 50726 or 50835
Mission
Volusia County Schools will ignite a passion for learning by providing a challenging, creative curriculum in a safe, supportive environment where students reach their highest potential.
Vision
Ensuring all students receive a superior 21st century education.
Awards and Achievements
- Astrid Augat, Spruce Creek High teacher, and Dr. Grace Kellermeier, World Language Health & Physical Education Curriculum specialist, both received awards at the Florida Foreign Language Association state conference
- Thirty-five elementary schools met the distinguished criteria required to become certified in the HealthierUS School challenge
- Zoey Balcom, Heritage Middle student, won the 2018-2019 Art in the Capitol award. The Art in the Capitol Competition is a statewide visual arts competition for all students grades 6 through 8. The winner s’ artwork will be displayed in the Capitol during a regular legislative session
- Timbercrest Elementary and Osceola Elementary were both recognized as Florida Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Model Schools, gold status