Volusia Schools Director highlights urgent need for second school in DeBary

The Volusia County School Board held a regular session on April 22, 2025, focusing on critical issues surrounding school capacity and enrollment trends in the county. A significant topic of discussion was the need for additional educational facilities in the city of DeBary, which currently has only one elementary school.

During the meeting, officials clarified that funding for school projects comes from specific sources such as capital funds, half-cent sales tax, and impact fees, rather than general operating funds. This distinction is crucial as it addresses public misconceptions about how financial resources can be allocated, particularly regarding teacher salaries and general school operations.

The board highlighted that while some areas in Florida, including Volusia County, are experiencing declining enrollment, this trend does not uniformly affect all neighborhoods. In fact, DeBary is facing a unique situation where the existing elementary school, DeBary Elementary, is unable to accommodate the growing student population. Currently, the school serves 766 students, but it has a capacity issue, leading to the rezoning of approximately 260 students to other schools.

Data presented during the meeting indicated that many students from DeBary are being transported to schools outside their city, with 276 students attending Enterprise Elementary, 459 at River Springs, and 750 at University High School. This situation underscores the pressing need for a second school in DeBary, as the area is projected to continue growing due to ongoing residential developments.

The board confirmed that DeBary can support a second school, which would serve many students within the two-mile non-transport zone, aligning with district transportation policies. The discussion emphasized the importance of planning for future growth and ensuring that educational facilities meet the needs of the community.

As the board continues to assess enrollment patterns and facility needs, the focus remains on providing adequate educational resources for all students in Volusia County, particularly in rapidly developing areas like DeBary.