Superintendent

Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin

Dr. Balgobin has served as Superintendent of Volusia County Schools (VCS) since July 2022, leading with a clear, student-first vision and an unwavering commitment to measurable excellence. A passionate educator with more than 27 years of service in Florida public education, she is widely recognized for translating high expectations into outcomes—strengthening teaching and learning, elevating school performance, expanding real-world opportunities for students, and building community confidence in public education.

A proven instructional and organizational leader, Dr. Balgobin began her career as a high school foreign language teacher and advanced through progressively complex leadership roles across Florida districts, including K–12 Trainer and Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Master Principal, Executive Director for Transformation, Executive Director of School Choice, and Deputy Superintendent in both Volusia and Broward Counties. Across these roles, she has been responsible for developing and implementing student support delivery systems, advancing curriculum across all subject areas, and designing staffing models that improve service to students. Her leadership includes oversight of large-scale improvement work—supporting transformation and innovation—grounded in accountability, coaching, and a relentless focus on instructional quality.

Since becoming Superintendent, Dr. Balgobin has led Volusia County Schools to new and impactful levels of districtwide achievement. In 2025, VCS earned its first “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education since 2008–09, achieved its highest total points ever, reached 100% proficiency of all schools, and posted the district’s highest graduation rate at 98.6% (95.6% including non-traditional schools). From 2022 to 2025, the number of “A”-rated schools more than quadrupled—from seven to 29—reflecting a coherent, systemwide improvement strategy and a culture of high performance.

Dr. Balgobin has also expanded and modernized pathways that connect learning to life. Under her leadership, the district has strengthened Career and Technical Education (CTE) beginning at the middle school level, ensuring students experience rigorous, relevant preparation for college and careers. With 58 CTE programs, 46 career academies, 108 CTE honors courses, and six middle school career pathways across 22 secondary schools (and growing each year), she has deepened community partnerships that support high-quality programs of study. As a result, 100% of CTE programs and academies now offer at least one industry certification. Dr. Balgobin also championed innovative academic options for families, including the district’s first Dual Language program (Spanish/English) at six elementary sites and the first French Immersion program at three elementary schools. She further supported early STEM engagement through the creation of two STEM Buses—mobile classrooms designed to spark curiosity and hands-on exploration for students across the district.

Safety and well-being remain foundational to Dr. Balgobin’s leadership. Through a strong partnership with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO), she has advanced a more integrated approach to campus security—strengthening coordination, modernizing detection and prevention strategies, and reinforcing consistent, centralized processes. She has repeatedly emphasized that sustaining safe, orderly learning environments is essential to academic success and is a top priority for the district.

Nationally, Dr. Balgobin has been recognized for leadership that delivers results while building trust and shared ownership. She credits the progress in Volusia to “collaborative partnerships and servant leadership,” underscoring that “it truly takes a village”—students, staff, families, community partners, and the School Board working together toward common goals.

Dr. Balgobin holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Management with a specialization in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Born in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, she brings a deeply personal belief in the power of public education as “the great equalizer”—a force that expands opportunity, strengthens communities, and transforms lives for every child.