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Volusia County School Board elects new chair, approves 2026 meeting calendar after debate
Summary
At its organizational meeting, the Volusia County School Board elected Reuben Colon as chair and Krista Goodrich as vice chair and approved a streamlined 2026 meeting calendar over objections that the change would limit recognition and member input. The calendar passed 4–1; leadership elections were unanimous.
Volusia County School Board members elected Reuben Colon as chair and Krista Goodrich as vice chair during their organizational meeting, and approved a reduced meeting schedule for 2026 following a contentious discussion about the change.
The board opened the organizational meeting at 12:33 p.m. and moved through leadership nominations. A motion to appoint Reuben Colon as chair was seconded and the board recorded the election as passing unanimously, 5–0. Krista Goodrich was nominated and seconded for vice chair and that motion also passed 5–0.
The board then approved several routine administrative items, including the use of the chair’s facsimile signature on checks and teachers’ contracts “pursuant to statute 116.34,” a request the chair presented before the board voice-voted to approve the measure.
The meeting’s most extended debate centered on the superintendent’s proposal to set the 2026 meeting calendar to a single regular meeting each month. Supporters, including Krista Goodrich, framed the change as a fiscally responsible streamlining of board business. Goodrich said she supported the calendar in part because it reduces costs associated with convening full staff at each meeting and that special meetings remain an option for urgent matters.
Opponents argued the reduced schedule would limit board members’ opportunities to recognize students and staff, shorten the time available for appointments and presentations, and could force additional special meetings when time-sensitive federal or statutory items arise. One member said they would vote against the calendar for those reasons. The board ultimately approved the 2026 calendar in a recorded voice vote, 4–1.
Members also reviewed board representation on state, county and district committees for 2025–26 and reached consensus on assignments; Jesse Thompson was confirmed as an alternate for the Volusia County PTA and Krista Goodrich agreed to continue serving in a representative role.
The organizational meeting adjourned at 2:12:52 p.m.; the board immediately convened the Volusia County School Board Leasing Corporation meeting.
