- February 21, 2025
School Board member Jessie Thompson is sworn into office by Volusia County Court Judge Christian Miller. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board members Jessie Thompson, Chair Jamie Haynes, Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis, County Councilwoman Barb Girtman, VCS Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and Board member Ruben Colon. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Court Judge Christian Miller holds a hand to his chest during the presentation of the colors at the School Board's organizational session on Monday, Nov. 28. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Pine Ridge High School Acapella Assembly sings the national anthem at the School Board's organizational session on Monday, Nov. 28. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board member Ruben Colon is sworn into office by Volusia County Court Judge Christian Miller. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board Chair Jamie Haynes is sworn into office by Volusia County Court Judge Christian Miller. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board member Ruben Colon has served on the board since 2018. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board member Jessie Thompson is the newest addition to the board. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board Chair Jamie Haynes has served on the board since 2018. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board member Anita Burnette has served on the board since 2020.
School Board member Carl Persis has served on the board since 2016. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Former School Board member Linda Cuthbert is presented with a signed portrait. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
School Board members Carl Persis, Anita Burnette, Chair Jamie Haynes, former Board member Linda Cuthbert, VCS Superintendent Carmen Balgobin, and Board members Jessie Thompson and Ruben Colon. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Three members of the Volusia County School Board were sworn into office for a new term on Monday, Nov. 28.
Board members Ruben Colon and Jamie Haynes were recently reelected for a second four-year term. Jessie Thompson was elected to represent District 3 on the board, succeeding former board member Linda Cuthbert, who did not run for reelection and was recognized for her eight years of service on the board during the organizational session.
"She has served Volusia County diligently for a number of years with a lot of heart and passion — true dedication to this field," Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said. "She's always a teacher at heart, and even though she's outgoing, she will continue to remain a true friend of Volusia County because she's very much invested into every single one of our goals and cares very much for staff members and students."
A new board chair for 2022-2023 was also selected during the meeting. Haynes will serve in the position, previously held by Colon. Board member Anita Burnette was voted to be vice chair.
Balgobin thanked Colon for his service as chair.
"You've provided excellent leadership," Balgobin said. "... Thank you for your dedication to the position — to all of you — and especially for this past term, everything that we have had to endure as a county, you have been there for us."
Additionally, Board member Carl Persis was selected to be the School Board legislative liaison officer, with Colon as the alternate.
