[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6187945,"mediaKeyId","5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f","parentId",5064174,"title","School board workshop debates cutting opening comments, trimming recognitions and moving to one monthly meeting","audioSeconds",3897,"startMs",8616000,"endMs",12513000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f&start=8616&end=12513","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f/thumbnail_8616000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187945/Florida/School-board-workshop-debates-cutting-opening-comments-trimming-recognitions-and-moving-to-one-monthly-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187945-90047ea8ccd03247880843c82a13bc71/orig.mp4?Expires=1777158209&Signature=kYBrWyfu2ACb4oaFH1R6wMZCMeou1yuR8a~~tMQQBflMw9~C1fySJite-dwIt65J6B6gI3vmdPDSd26J0YHguI6RPLsDSN4KazEM63sE1WXWRNMg2OjaPT7myV6hjLu6uUE05kvyyRxRp0-R7mFEbKvKLwcLIbOOokmYOvplgLkmR0CijNUiZxAZ9HzmV5uk~hzCSlPKPWr9B5pAD8MRqw-X~WDNCGtbAivkqKFz9v6HXHvWTYXDQvnw53xzGnZSl59QyMPhYvyfp9fPpuEMKjs8Rbs4yhTmopFYfpSIkDWWgF3TLegKgbIpQoh~juS0J6pQi9MxUw9rgzPOUPAdrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Volusia County School Board","date","2025-06-25T12:44:04.31Z","article","Volusia County School Board members spent the June 24 workshop reviewing meeting practice changes: limiting early board comments, shortening member remarks and considering a shift to one regular monthly meeting plus an optional consent meeting or offset workshop.

Chief of staff John Cash and Board Attorney Dr. Gilbert Evans presented comparisons from neighboring districts and summarized the district’s current meeting cadence: two board meetings per month in most months and 13 workshops this year. Cash told the board the district holds a high volume of agenda items and that changes would require recalibrated submission deadlines and a standing consent option tied to a workshop date if the board wants monthly spacing.

Board views

Board members split on whether to reduce the number of meetings. Several members supported moving to one regular meeting per month and an occasional workshop‑consent meeting; others said recognitions and administrative appointments are important public moments for families and asked for a compromise. Several members agreed to eliminate opening board comments and to limit closing comments to shorter, timed turns.

On timing and staff workload

Staff warned any move to a monthly meeting model requires changes to agenda submission timelines to give the clerk and cabinet adequate time for review. Chair Jamie Haynes emphasized that agenda materials must still be delivered early enough for proper review and public access and said she rejected cuts that would create last‑minute burdens for the clerk and staff.

Other changes and next steps

- Administrative appointments: the board discussed a Broward‑style compromise where appointees receive a brief (about 60‑second) in‑chamber welcome and communications staff post a photo and brief biography, while formal approval appears on the consent agenda.

- Speaking limits: board members discussed 5‑minute initial turns with a shorter rebuttal (for example, 3 minutes) for a second round when a topic merits extended discussion.

- Recognitions: members proposed retaining state‑ or national‑level recognitions at the board meeting while shifting most school‑level recognitions to campuses or regional events.

The workshop produced tentative consensus on ending opening member comments, limiting remarks, and pursuing a monthly meeting structure with an offset consent option; staff will draft calendar adjustments and rules changes for future board action. The board asked staff to return with proposed calendar revisions and a plan for handling agenda‑submission timelines and communications needs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Volusia County School Board - School Board Workshop/Work Session 6/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members discussed limiting opening remarks, reducing recognition items and possibly moving to one regular monthly meeting with an optional consent meeting; staff warned calendar and agenda‑submission timelines must be adjusted and communications staff would need time to reconfigure production.","taxTitle","Volusia, School Districts, Florida","taxId",13116,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6187951,"Volusia outlines overhaul of student code of conduct; new cell‑phone ban for elementary and middle schools follows state law",927,4625000,5552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f&start=4625&end=5552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f/thumbnail_4625000.jpg","/articles/6187951/Florida/Volusia-outlines-overhaul-of-student-code-of-conduct-new-cellphone-ban-for-elementary-and-middle-schools-follows-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187951-8bb15240f8aa18fecbf5e6a69485982a/orig.mp4?Expires=1777158209&Signature=g6Pgae~cwwmpeNKFyha-TMvsxPFbin-7BJblefuJdt6u5sI5Yb3twdNYzTr1KaMUQni1oPyEf7jTyfwJXhdzSSsxjz3UrYMcJQtMqgs-hZTHWfcrAhqYOmSfSOdTrU2UtUchuaDMNAxk3xzqImprFOR3qcoWcabY9Xbwsok9lkNkLXTOjzEN82qDe9S-1olw-SQR6hycWtzqeb3hOBvlAUu4Z8du~rH~MZyIMszcIXnXg93ID3~Gmk5by-OgQrP0~gIO16vI2dE1dK94KGS8FhPOYf~dMoH1ajScA5mj2ifD-Os2Jg2Ct-mhy7P8jgT7GLsz~W02PdBd03yiNCmHsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Volusia County Schools officials presented a comprehensive revision of policy 208 (the student code of conduct) at the June 24 workshop, telling the school board the document was rewritten from the ground up to provide clearer definitions, consistent discipline levels and updated legal references.

\"We've pretty much x ed out everything, and we've started from scratch,\" said Mr. McCall, the district's executive director for graduation assurance and student services, describing the rewrite as an effort to remove ambiguity and improve consistency across elementary and secondary schools.

Why it matters

The rewrite clarifies what constitutes bullying, harassment, trespassing and major versus minor fighting; standardizes documentation and notification timelines; and adds a framework for escalating repeated infractions. The changes also incorporate House Bill 1105, which prohibits elementary and middle school students from using wireless communication devices during the school day.

Key elements of the proposal

- Definitions and documentation: The revised code provides illustrated examples and explicit criteria for infractions so school staff and families can apply the matrix consistently. District staff said referrals should be documented same day where possible and parents notified within 24 hours.

- Bullying and off‑campus incidents: The policy requires that bullying be reported to school officials when it reasonably affects a student on campus, and that incidents be documented; school staff are expected to conduct timely investigations.

- Repeated infractions: The draft raises the penalty level when the same infraction occurs multiple times (for example, a third repeat of the same violation may escalate to a higher discipline level).

- Wireless communication devices (House Bill 1105): The draft aligns with the new state law: elementary and middle school students are prohibited from having cell phones visible or in use during the school day; high school students may use devices between classes and at lunch, or when a teacher authorizes it. Staff noted medical and individualized education exceptions will be provided for documented needs.

Rollout, safety and enforcement

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and Mr. McCall described a multi‑step rollout that will include principal and staff training, communications to families and student‑facing videos produced by students to explain the changes. The district will conduct quarterly administrative audits and provide monthly discipline reports with the top infractions to each school.

On safety resources, Balgobin said the district is “fully staffing” safety positions and that regular FEFP (state funding) will be used to subsidize any categorical shortfalls: \"We're fully staffing, per, and there hasn't been any reductions,\" she said.

Board feedback and requested edits

Board members requested plain‑language clarifications (for example, replacing internal committee acronyms with descriptive wording so parents understand consequences), asked the district to include language limiting district liability for lost or damaged devices that staff temporarily hold, and urged clear procedures for student clothing and dress code reminders ahead of the school year. Several board members urged that enforcement aim to keep students in class rather than create repeated instructional disruptions. Staff agreed to incorporate those edits and to build communication materials for families before school starts.

Ending

The draft policies for elementary and secondary student codes of conduct will be posted with the board agenda for advertisement; staff said they will incorporate board edits (plain‑language clarifications, exceptions for medical and IEP needs, and enhanced documentation requirements) before the board considers final adoption.","District staff presented a rewritten student code of conduct that tightens definitions, clarifies reporting procedures for bullying and harassment, adds documentation requirements and outlines implementation of House Bill 1105 (cell‑phone restrictions). Board members asked for plain‑language changes, guidance on enforcement and rollout plans.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6187956,"Volusia superintendent presents preliminary 2025–26 budget, plans $8 million fund-balance drawdown",2061,217000,2278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f&start=217&end=2278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064174-95ebfdb9fc5440076f2835c3ade85f2f/thumbnail_217000.jpg","/articles/6187956/Florida/Volusia-superintendent-presents-preliminary-202526-budget-plans-8-million-fund-balance-drawdown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187956-797503cd76fe8717b15692b1566f7b03/orig.mp4?Expires=1777158209&Signature=Jglo-7Kqn8gxOmkoa1uL3xQjag79fTFrcZ4xho3H-ck44v4olfct1O0qYdf3nB-I915ujxe17oiU9hYM1i3n4JSkDCxQjfodHZ9Z1CRsf6NXaaJoNQHmrFmYxODqgltKorHTtbSiXw1f-rZAYzYD1Wb-MLUaqpT2FSCuQfd1khLpx~fSQma~k4rbOkdg0PkiatxZ8I97vSwMmEMf4Q7YiVircKYjHn8kaMF63QUstBXJfhsWn9fD~gAqv09AWtMEZC7VfBWEUSPS4S71bRBTn7VYmlEM7d-9SKGw00t8DfVbw-eq-2xumHmp6fAkavVKr5CP3GdCha1VpG5zEQjV9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin told the school board on June 24 that the district will present a preliminary 2025–26 budget that relies on a “controlled spend down” of reserves to maintain instructional supports.

\"Every dollar has a job and every job is focused,\" Balgobin told the board during the workshop presentation, summarizing the administration's approach to the coming year.

The preliminary budget is built from the state conference report and a revised calculation that the district received in mid‑June, Chief Financial Officer Todd Sees said. Sees and Chief Operating Officer Patty Korr told the board the FY26 preliminary figures are subject to a final Florida Department of Education (DOE) calculation that the district has not yet received; timing this year has been delayed by the Legislature and by state recalculations of full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) student counts.

Why it matters

The DOE delays and an FTE proration this year are driving uncertainty in near‑term revenues. The district reported a $4.9 million proration in the current year and said the combination of enrollment shifts and state timing makes planning conservative budgeting essential.

What the presentation showed

- State funding: Sees reviewed changes in the Base Student Allocation (BSA), noting a modest increase to $5,372.60 and a teacher salary allocation adjustment. He said the new academic acceleration options supplement will consolidate some categorical funding formerly managed elsewhere in the matrix.

- Enrollment and FTE: The district reported total unweighted FTE of about 67,650 in the third FTE calculation and projected roughly 68,000 next year, an increase of about 359 students. Officials emphasized that growth in scholarship and alternative programs has shifted where students are counted, complicating projections for traditional program funding.

- Fund balance and operating posture: Balgobin said the superintendent's directive is to use $8 million of fund balance in FY26 in a “controlled spend down” to provide targeted instructional support to schools. The district presented the approach to assigned and rolled‑forward fund balances as savings for planned one‑time items (for example, textbook adoptions) and separated those from recurring budget calculations.

- Capital and construction: Sees and staff highlighted rising construction costs — with per‑square‑foot figures rising substantially since 2017 — but noted that revenue from the 1.5‑mill capital levy has also increased. The presentation compared a 2017 cost per square foot ($198 for Pierce Elementary) with more recent projects (Stark Elementary at $406 per square foot) and estimated 1.5‑mill receipts growing from about $46.9 million (2016–17) to about $104.9 million (2025–26).

Board questions and clarifications

Board members asked how the district will present recurring versus nonrecurring spending, what the effect of the DOE proration is on this year’s numbers, and whether school safety funding or school recognition dollars could change before final calculations. Balgobin and Sees repeatedly emphasized the preliminary nature of the numbers and said final DOE calculations (the second calculation and any prior‑period adjustments) will be reflected in the tentative budget the board adopts in July.

On reserves and communication

Balgobin said the district has budgeted to use reserves in order “to make sure that all of our schools are exceed[ing] succeeding” and to add instructional coaches and other supports where needed. She described the planned $8 million use of fund balance as targeted and approved by district leadership. Sees and Balgobin stressed that the presentation is a preliminary framework; final revenues and any required adjustments depend on DOE timing and the fourth FTE calculation, which had not arrived as of the workshop.

What’s next

District staff will revise the budget when the DOE issues its next calculation and will present the tentative budget for board adoption in July. The presentation materials and the full budget book will be available in the board packet for the board’s upcoming meetings.

Ending

Officials said they will continue public outreach and that the district will update the board and the public as state calculations arrive. The board and superintendent agreed the priority is maintaining instructional services while managing uncertainty in state funding.","Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and finance staff presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget and five‑year capital forecast, warning of late state calculations, a $4.9 million proration this year and a planned $8 million controlled drawdown of fund balance to support school-level instruction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board workshop debates cutting opening comments, trimming recognitions and moving to one monthly meeting

Volusia outlines overhaul of student code of conduct; new cell‑phone ban for elementary and middle schools follows state law

Volusia superintendent presents preliminary 2025–26 budget, plans $8 million fund-balance drawdown