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Volusia board appoints ADA compliance officer, names interim research coordinator
Summary
The Volusia County School Board unanimously approved two administrative appointments Wednesday: Karen Swain as ADA legal compliance officer and Kyle Shicker as interim coordinator for Research, Evaluation and Accountability (REA). Both appointments take effect March 12, 2025.
The Volusia County School Board unanimously approved two administrative appointments Wednesday, naming Karen Swain the district’s ADA legal compliance officer and Kyle Shicker interim coordinator for Research, Evaluation and Accountability, both effective March 12, 2025.
Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said she recommended the hires as part of routine administrative staffing. The board voted without opposition after brief discussion and introductions in the boardroom at the district office in DeLand.
Swain, introduced by Balgobin, described her background as an attorney and educator. “I came from Connecticut. I began my career as an attorney in Connecticut before transitioning into education,” she told the board, and said she has taught English and history at multiple grade levels and advocated for students with varying abilities. The superintendent said Swain holds a juris doctorate and teaching certifications and recommended her for the ADA compliance role in the chief counsel’s office.
Board members voiced support before the vote. The board’s roll call on Swain’s appointment returned unanimous approval.
Shicker was recommended to lead REA on an interim basis. Balgobin outlined his education and district service since 2014, including classroom and assistant principal roles and his work as an analyst in REA. When he addressed the board, Shicker thanked trustees and referenced his REA predecessor’s mentorship and the district’s data-driven expectations. “I am privileged to continue the great work already being done by the gifted and experienced team at REA,” he said.
Trustee Jesse Thompson moved to approve Shicker; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Shicker said he will support principals and school teams with research and data as the district prepares for upcoming accountability and planning cycles.
Board Chair Jamie Haynes congratulated both appointees and asked them to join their families for photos in the boardroom after the meeting.
Actions recorded at the meeting for these items were formal motions to approve the appointments and unanimous votes in favor.
