DeLand, FL - The search for a new Volusia County School Superintendent is winding down and Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert is looking forward to the final selection. The application period began at the end of August, followed by an online survey and four scheduled community forums.
Applications were received from 36 candidates from all over the country. Albert was on the 25-person committee that vetted the resumes and came up with seven semi-finalists. The Volusia County School Board than narrowed down that list to three finalists. Albert said they were on her top five list. VUE members have already had the chance to meet with Dr. David Moore and Dr. Ronald Scott Fritz. Albert says both men are extremely intelligent and both have clearly articulated visions for Volusia County. She said that she wants to meet with the third candidate, Dr. Peter Licata, prior to the community reception scheduled on November 7.
After school employees and members of the community meet with the three finalists. Selection day will be only five days away. The School Board has the selection of the new superintendent on the agenda for their meeting on Tuesday, November 12. Albert said she looks forward to that because then they will be able to move forward with the work of educating the students.
Albert also touched on the recent announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis about a plan to increase minimum teacher salaries in Florida to $47,500. The current base salary is $39,600. Albert wants to know what about teachers who already have teaching experience. She wants to know the plan to keep veteran master teachers who have dedicated their lives to teaching kids. Also, what about all the other people who work for Volusia County Schools?
Next week, on Wednesday, November 6, the School Board will hold final interviews with the candidates. The community is invited to meet the candidates during a reception at the Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Avenue in DeLand, from 6 until 8 p.m. The School Board will meet on Tuesday, November 12 at 3:30 p.m. to make the final selection and discuss contract negotiations. The newly chosen School Superintendent is expected to take the reins on January 1, 2020.
