- September 24, 2024
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The Volusia County Council awarded $234,252 to enhance driver safety education in schools throughout the county during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The funding allocation for the county's Dori Slosberg Driver Education Program, approved as part of the meeting's consent agenda, come from an ordinance-driven initiative that dedicates $5 from every civil traffic fine in the county. According to a news release, the county has awarded $1,025,508 in these funds over the last five years to Volusia County Schools, enabling the school district to administer its driver education program to 2,255 students.
"The funding infusion from the county will enable the school district to continue administering driver education programs, offering them after school, on weekends, and during summer breaks," the news release states. "This flexibility in scheduling ensures that more students can benefit from the program at their convenience."
The funds are earmarked for the purchase of two new driver education vehicles, ongoing vehicle maintenance, fuel, compensation for school district staff and the purchase of necessary curriculum-related materials. The program also offers high school students enrolled in private or charter schools the chance to participate in the sessions as well.
Based on council's direction, the county did contact 13 private schools and three charter schools — all of which do not offer a driver's education program currently — to invite them to apply for funds, but none applied by the deadline.
"Volusia County's financial investment in this program illustrates its deep-rooted commitment to nurturing a safer, more responsible generation of young drivers," the county stated in its news release. "This initiative not only enhances the safety skills of young individuals but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering a safer driving community in Volusia County."
