200 N Clara Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
P.O. Box 2118
DeLand, FL 32721-2118
Fax: (386) 734-2842
Superintendent News
Superintendent
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
From Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, Dr. Balgobin came to the U.S. and attended high school in Queens. She received her bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language Education from the University of Central Florida and her master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Central Florida and Nova Southeastern University. She received her Doctor of Education in Organizational Management with a specialization in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Carmen Balgobin has an impressive 25-year career in public education with an extensive background in both instructional and operational leadership. Having started as a foreign language teacher at Evans High School in Orange County Public Schools (her alma mater), then advancing to several district-level jobs in multi-lingual education, curriculum and instruction, and exceptional student education; moving on to school transformation work as an assistant principal, principal, and a master principal; before being put in charge of all 18 transformation schools in Orange County Public Schools. Furthermore, she served two years at Osceola County Schools overseeing all 32 of its charter schools, home education, and Osceola virtual, before taking the job as Deputy Superintendent in Volusia County Schools in January 2020.
In her Deputy Superintendent role, Dr. Balgobin was instrumental in re-organizing the structure of the district. Leading and implementing a Pre-K-12th grade district digital instructional continuity plan for Volusia County School’s 64,000 students, Dr. Balgobin carried on the vision and goals for summer school programs and planned for the district re-opening of all 85 schools.
In March 2020, Dr. Balgobin led the district as Interim Superintendent of Volusia County Schools through unprecedented times. As Superintendent, she led the district's COVID-19 reopening plan with three learning options: traditional classroom setting, Volusia Live (real-time live streaming), and Volusia Online Learning.
In March 2022, Dr. Balgobin joined the second-largest school district in the state of Florida and the sixth-largest in the nation, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), as the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, serving over 250,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult students, assisting the Superintendent with the formation and execution of the District’s Educational and Support Strategic Plan. Dr. Balgobin was responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of student support delivery systems, the development, revision, and implementation of curricula in all subject areas, as well as the development and implementation of a new organizational staffing model.
Now, Dr. Carmen Balgobin has returned as the proud Superintendent of Volusia County Schools (VCS). VCS is the 57th largest school district in the United States and serves approximately 64,000 students. The district is composed of 45 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 10 high schools. In addition, there are nine alternative schools, seven charter schools, two combination schools (K-8 or 6-12), and one district virtual instruction program.
Dr. Balgobin is most proud of how her team is creating College and Career Technical pathways beginning at the middle school level. For the first time, Volusia County Schools has opened a Dual Language Program, where students develop bilingualism and biliteracy in both English and Spanish. In addition, she has formed strategic business partnerships to offer our students internship opportunities that align with their program of studies.
Dr. Carmen Balgobin has devoted her professional career to empowering students as they journey toward academic excellence. She is committed to Volusia County Schools' theme, “Leading with Grace and Respect.”
Dr. Balgobin is the proud mother of her daughter Usha, her pride and joy, and a life partner to her husband, Tom. Dr. Balgobin is a firm believer that quality education is the ticket to success for our students and hope for communities, and education is a vehicle that transforms mindsets and communities. This belief has been imparted by her late father, Mr. Balgobin, who serves as her NorthStar nourishing her professional “why” every day.