District proposal could affect families across Volusia County

Volusia County Schools is considering moving the Riverview Learning Center, an alternative education program, to a campus in Holly Hill. While the proposal is centered outside Edgewater, it has countywide relevance because Riverview serves students from across Volusia and any change in location, transportation, or operations could affect families in the southeast part of the county as well.

According to reporting from WESH, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said the current Riverview facility costs about $3 million a year to operate. The district says the former middle school space at Holly Hill School could provide a better facility for the program after that campus shifted from a K-8 school to an elementary-only site, leaving part of the property unused.

Concerns raised by Holly Hill officials

The possible move has drawn concern from Holly Hill leaders, especially because the proposed location would place the alternative program near younger children, including preschool students. City Manager Joe Forte said he questioned whether that arrangement fits the vision for the campus, particularly if fencing or other security measures create what he described as an institutional feel.

At the same time, Forte told WESH the city is now taking a more collaborative approach with the district. Among the issues under discussion are what kind of fencing might be used and how the site could be configured if the transition moves forward. Those details matter because they shape how the campus would function day to day for students, staff, and nearby families.

No final timeline yet

The district has not announced a final timeline for the move. A spokesperson said school administration and staff have already been informed, and communication with students and families would follow through the district’s usual channels. The district also said the superintendent has operational authority over a decision like this, meaning it does not require a school board vote, though it could still come up in a workshop.

For Edgewater-area parents, the practical takeaway is that this remains a developing county education story rather than a finalized change. Families with students in specialized or alternative programs may want to watch for district updates on transportation, enrollment logistics, and any transition schedule if the move is approved.

Why Edgewater readers may care

Even though the proposed site is in Holly Hill, countywide school decisions often ripple outward. Changes to where specialized programs are housed can affect travel times, staffing, and how district resources are allocated. For now, the key facts are straightforward: the district is exploring a move, local concerns have been raised, and no final implementation date has been announced.