Volusia reports growth in school partnerships and surveys show improved staff and family communications

Communications and community-engagement leaders told the Volusia County School Board on Aug. 12 that partnerships, volunteers and targeted communications improved family and staff engagement metrics. Coordinator Danielle Johnson said the district recorded a roughly 30% increase in partners year over year and nearly 11,000 active volunteers during the most recent school year. Johnson said the districts State of the Schools event and CTE partner bus tours attracted local business and municipal partners, and a first workforce expo showcased student career pathways. Survey work: Johnson said external and internal surveys showed steady or improved perceptions of district communications. Crisis communication ratings rose from 69% to 80% in favorability year over year. Staff survey responses improved seven percentage points on communication effectiveness (65% to 72%). Mentors and volunteers: Although total volunteers rose, mentor retention fell; Johnson said the district will offer mentor-coordinator training, pair new mentors with returning mentors and create an online mentor training option to increase accessibility. A board member asked for options to make mentor-time commitments more flexible (weekly, biweekly or monthly) to increase retention. Why it matters: Increased partner and volunteer engagement supports internships, CTE experiences and school events. District leaders said the communication improvements are tied to more proactive outreach to staff and families and to resources that make school information easier to access. Officials acknowledged challenges around online registration and said paper copies will remain available at school front offices and that the district will clarify messaging about options for families without Internet access.