New Principals Appointed as Volusia Schools Tackle Student Absenteeism

Daytona Beach, USA - In a move that promises to bolster educational leadership and tackle chronic absenteeism, the Volusia County School Board has recently announced a series of key administrative appointments. As of June 3, the board, following recommendations from Superintendent Carmen Balgobin, has appointed new principals for several elementary schools in the region.

Corrine Cobb will take the reins at Discovery Elementary School in Deltona, transitioning from her previous roles at Deltona High School as a teacher and assistant principal. Over in Port Orange, Alisha Zarbo steps up as principal at Sweetwater Elementary School, also coming from her capacity at Deltona High School. These appointments reflect an ongoing effort to bring experienced leaders into the schools, a crucial step as educators face rising challenges.

A Community Initiative on Attendance

Addressing the significant issue of student absenteeism, Volusia County Schools, in collaboration with AdventHealth, is launching an innovative initiative aimed at improving attendance among students facing difficulties. This program is set to provide free bicycles to students living within a two-mile radius of their school who are chronically absent.

The attendance initiative recently saw its first distribution, delivering a total of 168 bicycles to at-risk students. David Weis, president and CEO of AdventHealth for the region, expressed optimism that these bikes will help alleviate barriers contributing to absenteeism. His belief aligns with studies that indicate chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school days—can severely impact students’ academic performance.

This initiative is especially important as chronic absenteeism is considered a national crisis, with over 6.5 million students affected each year, particularly from low-income families, students of color, and those with disabilities, according to Communities In Schools. Factors like inadequate access to food, healthcare, and basic supplies can greatly hinder students‘ ability to attend school regularly.

Broader Support for Education

Beyond providing bicycles, AdventHealth is committed to enhancing educational outcomes in other meaningful ways. They have addressed concerns over third-grade reading scores by donating book vending machines to Discovery Elementary and Blue Lake Elementary. These machines allow students to earn tokens and choose books to keep, further encouraging literacy and engagement with reading.

Additionally, AdventHealth has made a significant impact on physical health, providing over 4,000 free sports physicals since 2018. In 2024 alone, more than 1,100 physicals were performed, enabling students to stay healthy and participate actively in school sports. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of addressing both physical and educational barriers to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

As these initiatives unfold alongside the new leadership appointments, it’s clear that Volusia County is taking significant steps to foster an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The hope is that these changes, supported by dedicated community partners, will not only enhance attendance rates but also improve overall student success in the long run.