Spring is in the air! As we step into this vibrant season of spring, I am thrilled to reflect on some significant achievements of our students, staff and community in Volusia County Schools. This month, I’m excited to share with you our increasing graduation rates and College and Career Acceleration Rate.
The Florida Department of Education has finalized and released the Federal Uniform Graduation Rate for 2022-2023. Our district’s graduation rate increased 2.7 percentage points from 88.9% in 2021-22 to 91.6% in 2022-23. This is 3.6 points above the state average of 88%.
We are excited to share that VCS ranks in the top ten for all counties in the State of Florida for 2022-2023 graduation rates and second among the districts within the Central Florida Coalition of 11 districts. VCS also had the highest graduation rate increase within the Central Florida Coalition of school districts.
Our 2022-2023 College and Career Acceleration Rate, which reflects the percentage of high school graduates who have earned college credit or career certifications by the time they graduate, increased 1.2 percentage points from 64.5% in 2021-22 to 65.7% in 2022-23. Eight of 11 high schools improved their CCA rate this year.
We also celebrated CTE (Career and Technical Education Month) all last month across our 92 programs in the district, which offer over 70 industry certifications and many opportunities for direct alignment from middle to high school.
I’m incredibly proud of our successful results and continued expansion of these programs. I thank our dedicated staff and community members who ensure that graduates leave VCS college, career and life ready.
As I’ve traveled across our district, I’ve been nothing short of amazed at the enthusiasm our staff has for our students. I’ve seen teachers who listen, who have a positive attitude in the face of challenges and who work with purpose and clear objectives. I’ve seen teachers who expect their students to achieve and who are not afraid of challenging them. I’ve seen our staff members lift students as well as entire families. Every example has been a testament to the commitment we, the VCS family, have in providing high-quality learning for every child, every day. I am privileged to work with a community, a family, who work together to move our students to new heights and opportunities.
Please know that our schools will be closed for spring break from March 25 to March 29. On April 1, schools reopen, and our final grading period begins. I wish each of you a well-deserved and wonderful spring break!
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools
