Volusia schools report graduation rate rise to 93.7%; district outlines multiple pathways and new supports to keep students on track

Volusia County Public Schools on Jan. 28 told the school board the district's four‑year graduation rate rose to 93.7% for 2023–24, an increase of 2.1 percentage points from the prior year, and that nine of 10 traditional high schools improved their rates.

The presentation, led by Superintendent Dr. Balgobin and executive director Mike McAuliffe, framed the increase as the result of a districtwide approach that combines data dashboards, targeted interventions, expanded career and technical education (CTE), international programs (ACE/Cambridge and IB), and new Graduation Academies intended to catch and support students at risk of falling off the four‑year track.

The report matters because the district said graduation rates are one component of school and district accountability and because a standard diploma — as defined under Florida law — affects students' college, career and military options. McAuliffe and other presenters repeatedly emphasized that the district's work is intended to move students to the standard diploma rather than a certificate of completion, which they said carries limits for post‑secondary enrollment and military enlistment.

District officials cited specific findings and programs. Reeser and other directors said Volusia…