DeBary Foundation Funds Arts Education Partnership at DeBary Elementary

Principal Stacy Gotlib has a simple measure for what the DeBary Foundation's new partnership means to her school: "Seeing a child light up through creativity is something special," she said. "This partnership increases those opportunities for so many of our students, and we're deeply grateful."

The DeBary Foundation announced this week that it has partnered with DeBary Elementary to expand arts education through targeted funding, volunteer support, and new materials and equipment for music and visual arts. Because DeBary Elementary serves the majority of the city's families, the foundation says the initiative is expected to positively impact 90% of DeBary's children on a regular basis.

The collaboration will supply materials, equipment, and creative resources that fall outside the school's existing budget, broadening student access to hands-on arts experiences in music and visual arts. The foundation has also indicated the partnership could extend to theater initiatives in future years, though no timeline or scope for that expansion has been announced.

Foundation Treasurer Alicja Nutting framed the investment in practical terms. "When children have the tools to create and explore their talents, they gain confidence and skills for life," she said. "We're proud to fund opportunities beyond what school budgets can provide."

Beyond classroom programming, the foundation envisions recognition programs that would honor student achievement and acknowledge the contributions of teachers and staff, though details on those efforts remain to be determined.

The partnership adds to a growing body of community-funded education initiatives in Volusia County's western corridor. The foundation notes that sustained participation in the arts is associated with stronger academic performance, critical thinking, confidence, and social-emotional development.

More information about the DeBary Foundation and the partnership is available at DeBaryFoundation.org.