DeLand, FL - Volusia County Schools say they are ready to continue the Volusia Live option per a forthcoming new emergency order from the Florida Board of Education. Board Commissioner Richard Corcoran said it will allow virtual learning to continue into the second semester during a Board meeting yesterday.
The second semester begins on January 26, 2021. The Volusia Live option would continue if the platform is approved by the state. The district says it's hopeful that funding levels will remain at the current level to support this choice for families.
School Board District 5 representative Ruben Colon says at this point, we have no idea how the order, which is not in effect yet, is going to affect us. "We have not received the executive order from the Governor or the direction from the Florida Department of Education, so, we have not received any official confirmation as of yet."
With the next semester beginning in about 10 weeks, Colon says that not having instruction from the state is very challenging. He says they are trying to prepare for all scenarios. "Throughout this whole COVID situation, the Florida Department of Education has made decisions at the last moment. It makes it difficult on school districts be we are here to do what is best for our students and we're committed to their education."
Families will also have the option of in-person instruction in the Traditional Classroom and the virtual Volusia Online Learning. Currently, 75% of VCS students are learning in the Traditional Classroom, while 15% are in Volusia Live and 10% are attending VOL. VCS works with every family to determine which option is best for their student.
