​Priority #1 – Parent and Community Engagement

​Proactive, not reactive measures are the key to engaging parents and community stakeholders. The Volusia County School Board, through policy development and implementation has the responsibility of ensuring school administrators and teachers take leadership roles in creating meaningful, sustainable relationships in each community serviced. Through more innovative communication methods and in-the-community initiatives, our schools can send the message that education is not merely what occurs within the confines of a classroom, rather education is a vital part of the greater community, and is only successful when parent and community leaders are engaged. Initiatives such as an in-the-community parent-teacher nights that are conveniently located and timed for parents and community leaders can prove very beneficial. There will be higher attendance rates and a more engaged audience. By interacting with students within their natural environments, such an initiative provides teachers with new perspectives into the lives of the students served. Also, by having educators, community, and religious leaders under one roof, students and parents will feel a part of a larger support system.

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Priority #2 – Fiscal Responsibility

Currently, governing bodies at virtually every level are forced to cutback in some form or fashion. Constituents are searching for leaders who can continue to provide quality services with less funding. A fiscally responsible leader is one who deeply analyzes each line of a presented budget – truly examining whether funds are being properly utilized, ensuring that every dollar is stretched to the max, and
multiple spending scenarios are considered before arriving at a conclusion. When voted in by the people, an elected official is ultimately responsible for those people – governing in their best interest. This holds especially true in regards to public funds. Too often, elected officials are careless with public funds, rather than treating those funds as if they were coming directly out of their own pockets.

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Priority #3 – Public/Private Partnerships

The tightening of the purse strings requires creativity in developing programs and initiatives of substance. Visionary strategies are required of those seeking to lead during times of economic downturn. Leaders with the ability to inspire vision and deliver compelling case statements for partnerships will have the ability to move governing bodies and communities forward. For example, the Volusia County Manufacturer’s Association is a great asset to our community, but one that is heavily underutilized by our educational institutions. It is critical to develop a more effective partnership with such organizations. Initiatives can be fostered that provide students more

opportunities to shadow business representatives – ultimately providing more motivation for students to strive for successful academic careers.