I am Ruben Colón, and my service to Volusia County is rooted in more than a campaign. I have lived in Deltona since 2002, raised my family, built my life here, and served on the Volusia County School Board since 2018, representing District 5, which includes Deltona, Enterprise, Osteen, and Orange City. My background as a licensed respiratory therapist, my service on the Florida Board of Respiratory Care, the Family Health Source Executive Board, the Deltona Affordable Housing Board, and my involvement with our schools reflect a long record of showing up for this community before, during, and beyond election season.

 

Over the last four years, Volusia County Schools has made measurable progress. The district earned its first “A” rating since the 2008 to 2009 school year, had no “D” or “F” schools, increased the number of “A” schools from 17 to 28 in one year, and improved its statewide district ranking from 40th in 2023 to 24th in 2025.

 

Volusia’s graduation rate also reached 95.6 percent for the Class of 2025, the highest in district history, ranking ninth among Florida’s 67 school districts and exceeding the state average. These results were not accidental; they came from steady leadership, strong accountability, and a focus on students, families, teachers, staff, and community partners working together.

 

My focus has always been local, practical, and student centered. I know our schools, our neighborhoods, our families, and the challenges facing West Volusia because I have been part of this community for more than 20 years. During my time on the Board, Volusia has expanded college and career opportunities, including growth in career and technical education from 164 to 279 programs, pathways, academies, and honors courses, a 70 percent increase in student access to career focused learning.

 

The choice before voters is about proven connection, proven service, and proven results. I am not new to Volusia County, and I am not new to our schools. I have been here, I have served here, and I remain committed to keeping Volusia County Schools moving forward.