Superintendent

Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin

Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin is an award-winning educational leader with 28 years of experience in Florida’s public school system, where she has received national recognition for advancing academic excellence, innovation, and student achievement. 

Born in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, she brings a deeply personal belief in the power of public education as the great equalizer—creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and transforming children’s lives. Dr. Balgobin, who holds a Doctorate of Education in organizational management with a specialization in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, began her career as a high school foreign language teacher. She steadily advanced through a variety of leadership roles, including instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, executive director, and deputy superintendent in Orange, Broward, and Volusia counties.  

Dr. Balgobin has served as superintendent of Volusia County Schools (VCS) since July 2022, leading with a clear student-first vision, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to translate high expectations into meaningful results—strengthening teaching and learning, improving school performance, expanding opportunities for students, and building trust and confidence in public education. 

Throughout her career, she has led the development and implementation of student support systems, curriculum initiatives, innovative staffing models, and large-scale school improvement efforts. Her leadership is grounded in accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and a relentless focus on student achievement. 

Under her leadership, Volusia County Schools has experienced unprecedented academic success. In 2025, the district earned its first "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education since the 2008-09 school year, followed by a second consecutive "A" rating in 2026. The district achieved its highest point totals on record, increased the number of "A" rated schools from seven to 37, and reached the highest graduation rate in district history at 96%. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners across the district. 

Dr. Balgobin has championed innovative programs that connect classroom learning to future opportunities. Under her leadership and through partnering with local businesses and community organizations, the district has expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, academies, and pathways by 70%—growing from 164 to 279 opportunities for students in less than five years. During that same period, industry certification attainment has increased by 54%, helping more students graduate with valuable workforce credentials and pathways to high-skill, high-wage careers. Every CTE academy and program offers students the opportunity to earn at least one industry certification before graduation. 

She has also expanded school choice and innovative academic opportunities for families, including the district's first Dual Language (Spanish-English) program, the first French Immersion program, and enhanced STEM learning experiences across the district. Her support for the creation of two mobile STEM Buses has helped bring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences directly to students, sparking curiosity and fostering innovation. 

Above all, safety remains her highest priority. Through strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and local leaders, she has helped strengthen school safety measures, improve emergency preparedness, and foster supportive learning environments where students and employees feel safe, connected, and valued. Schools are equipped with security measures such as single-point entry systems, visitor screening through the RAPTOR Visitor Management System, security cameras, controlled-access doors, and perimeter fencing. Campuses also maintain locked doors and gates during the school day in accordance with state safety requirements. High schools are equipped with AI-powered weapons detection systems, and in May, the district showcased a successful demonstration of the Campus Guardian Angel drone safety system at Deltona High School.  

Known for her collaborative approach, Dr. Balgobin is quick to share credit for the district’s success. She frequently recognizes the contributions of students, employees, families, community partners, and the school board, emphasizing that meaningful progress happens when everyone works together toward a common goal. 

Her leadership has earned recognition at both the state and national levels. In 2025, she was named National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) Superintendent of the Year in recognition of her transformational leadership and the significant academic progress achieved in Volusia County Schools. In 2026, she was recognized by the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) as Superintendent of the Year for her commitment to expanding career-focused educational opportunities. That same year, she was also honored by the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) as its National Woman of the Year, recognizing her innovation, leadership, and measurable impact on student achievement.