Groundbreaking Ceremony for Edith I. Starke Elementary School in DeLand

Tue, Mar 12, 2024 at 8:30AM

Volusia County Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Edith I. Starke Elementary School, marking a new era of a school with a rich history in DeLand.

“Several years ago, this community made a commitment, and you’re here today to honor that commitment with a ribbon cutting for Edith I. Starke Elementary,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin. “Every single kid in this community could be everything they dream to be, but it takes us adults and stakeholders to do our responsibility, which is to provide those opportunities for optimal success.”

The school was originally constructed in 1956 and will be rebuilt at its current location in DeLand. The projected completion of the new school is summer 2025.
“I believe every one of you sitting here today, you have a place in your heart for this school,” said Board Chair Jamie Haynes. “As we break ground for this brand-new school in this community, take a moment to stop and think of how you can help in some way to make a difference in the lives of the students that are already here and those that will be joining us when we open the new building.”
The design of the new school will incorporate a new media center, administrative office spaces, art and music classrooms, and bus and parent pick-up and drop-off driveways. The new school will provide space for 650 students in an immersive 21st-century learning environment with new technology and enhanced security systems.
“It truly does take a village and a community, and here at Starke we have lots of wonderful people who are working toward the success of all of our students,” said Principal Jessica Aivazis.

Joining Starke Elementary, Volusia County Schools, and the Volusia County School Board in the project and groundbreaking were Song + Associates, Inc., Wharton-Smith Inc., the City of DeLand, the DeLand Fire Department, the DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, the West Volusia NAACP, Bethel AME Church, and former Starke principals and employees.