Volusia School Board's Special Meeting: What's at Stake for the Future?

200 North Clara Avenue, DeLand, Florida, USA - The Volusia County School Board is gearing up for a special meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025, at 11:00 am in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the District Administrative Complex located at 200 North Clara Avenue, DeLand, Florida. This meeting comes in light of pending litigation that the board must address. As members of the community, you are invited to attend, and it promises to be a significant event for all involved.

Right after the board meeting commences, an attorney-client session will follow. Attending this closed session will be key figures including Volusia County School Board members, Board Attorney Dr. Gilbert Evans, Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, and Attorney Brandy Rood, alongside a certified court reporter to document the proceedings. The anticipated length of this session is about one hour.

Public Participation and Legal Guidelines

It’s essential to remember that if you wish to appeal any decisions made during this meeting, you must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. This is in line with Florida statutes that govern public meetings. According to Florida legislation, all meetings concerning state agencies and local government boards must be open to the public and conducted in compliance with legal guidelines, ensuring transparency and accountability. Official acts must occur during these public gatherings, as resolutions or rules made outside of them lack validity.

The law also states that reasonable notice must be provided for all meetings, with minutes that can be inspected by the public. Violating these regulations can lead to noncriminal infractions for public officers, potentially resulting in fines up to $500. Additionally, attending non-compliant meetings can even put board members at risk of misdemeanor charges.

Accommodations and Accessibility

If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in this meeting, you should contact the Office of the Superintendent at (386) 734-7190, extension 20210, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The commitment to accessibility ensures that all members of the community can engage in the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the upcoming meeting offers a chance for you to be involved in discussions critical to the future of education in Volusia County. In conclusion, there’s something to be said for participating in these public affairs— your voice helps shape the policies that directly affect our children’s education and future.