District outlines next steps for affected students

Volusia County Schools says it is putting transition plans in place for students affected by the upcoming closure of the Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler in Ormond Beach. While the campus is outside Edgewater, the center has served girls from across Volusia and Flagler counties for decades, making the district’s response relevant for families throughout the county, including those in Edgewater.

According to Observer Local News, the district announced that students will be able to meet with school principals over the summer, tour their new campuses and take part in one-on-one meetings with school counselors. Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said the goal is to make sure no student arrives on the first day without support already in place.

Why the closure matters beyond Ormond Beach

Pace has provided education alongside counseling, training and advocacy services for about 30 years. The nonprofit said the site will close on June 26 after a review of long-term sustainability, including enrollment trends, staffing, academic outcomes and financial viability. For families in Edgewater and elsewhere in Volusia County, the closure could affect students who relied on the center’s smaller setting and wraparound support.

The district said it is coordinating with Pace Executive Director Sheila Jordan and staff on individualized plans. Balgobin said Volusia County Schools intends to continue the mission of making students feel seen, supported and empowered. That language is important because the transition is not simply about changing campuses; it is also about preserving stability for students who may already be navigating significant personal or academic challenges.

What families should watch for next

Observer reported that even as the physical center closes, Pace Reach is expected to launch in the fall as a therapeutic model focused on mental health services, early intervention and individualized support for girls. That means some services may continue in a different form, though the school-based experience at the Ormond Beach campus is ending.

For Edgewater readers, this is a practical county education story worth noting because it concerns student placement, counseling access and continuity of support. Families with students who attended Pace, were referred there, or may need similar services should expect more direct communication from the district as summer planning continues. The key takeaway for now is that Volusia County Schools says it is trying to make the transition proactive rather than waiting until the new school year begins.