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Safety and Security

Our Vision:

Create life-long learners prepared for an ever-changing global society.

Our Mission:

Volusia County Schools will ignite a passion for learning in all students to be productive citizens.

The School Guardian program was created in 2018 after the tragic and deadly event at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to enhance the safety and security of all Volusia County students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All School Guardians are former law enforcement officers or have honorably served in the United States military. Our goal is to increase safety and security by developing positive relationships, based on mutual respect, with all students and staff while also emphasizing intelligence sharing between our staff and local law enforcement partners. School Guardians are highly encouraged to be a mentor to all students and to continually strive to break down barriers through open communication and positive interactions. School Guardians strive to provide a safe educational environment where students can focus on learning and attaining their highest potential.
 

For security issues during and after business hours, please call the Security Operations Center at (855) 4VC-KIDS or (855) 482-5437.

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Safety and Security
200 N Clara Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720

Phone: (386) 734-7190 ext. 20638

Photo of Captain Todd Smith
Captain Todd Smith
Director
386-734-7190 extension 20629
 

Chastity Burke
Coordinator                                          
CMBurke1@volusia.k12.fl.us


Sharon Hovis
Administrative Secretary
SMHovis@volusia.k12.fl.us

 

Special Report graphic
VCS already reports all crimes to law enforcement, but a new statewide emergency rule further specifies which safety incidents school districts are required to report to ensure serious crimes are not under-reported.
The list of incidents that VCS and other Florida school districts must report includes aggravated battery, alcohol, arson, burglary, criminal mischief (felony vandalism - $1,000 threshold), major disruption on campus, drug sale or distribution, drug use or possession, fighting, grand theft ($750 threshold), hazing, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual offenses (other), simple battery, threat/intimidation, trespassing, weapons possession, and other major offenses. 
All incidents related to alcohol, drugs, gangs, hate crimes, hazing, injuries, and weapons also must be reported to law enforcement. School districts may also report other incidents that are not listed. 
Please view this memo from the Florida Department of Education online for more information. 
Volusia County Schools prioritizes the safety and security of all students and staff, and we acknowledge and appreciate the role you, as employees, play in educating our students about the seriousness of these offenses. 
 
First page of the PDF file: SAFEGUARDVCS

Dear Volusia County School Parents and Guardians,

At Volusia County Schools, the well-being and security of our students are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can ensure a safe and nurturing environment for every student in Volusia County Schools. Our latest safety campaign addresses key security aspects and objectives across all our campuses.

When visiting campuses, staff, students and visitors should use only designated entrance and exit gates. Avoid propping open gates, as this compromises our ability to monitor and control access to the campus. For quick and efficient identification of everyone on campus, all students, staff, and visitors are required to wear and display identification badges. Empowering your children with the knowledge of not opening doors for strangers is crucial. Encourage them to report any encounters with unfamiliar individuals promptly to a teacher, staff member, or school security. Your cooperation significantly enhances overall safety. By instilling this awareness, we add an extra layer of protection for our students.

Your support in reinforcing these measures at home is appreciated. Access more information in the video in the link below and in the provided flyer.

Thank you for partnering with us to prioritize safety.

Informative Video