Mrs. Debi Shellabarger has been in Hernando county for almost 30 years. Three years as an assistant principal and the past 17 years as a principal. She came to Deltona Elementary in 2010 when the school became a "D" school. With dedication, hard work, and a faculty she considers family, the school is now a "B" school. Deltona Elementary is also a center school when it comes to special education students. The school houses 10 self contained classes that includes 3 ESE Pre-k classes and 7 other classes ranging from varying exceptionalities, behavioral classes, and resource classrooms.

To name the accolades of Mrs. Shellabarger, I could go on for days! She always does what is right for the students and always puts the students first. She is always there for her staff at any time, day or night.

Several of her teachers go above and beyond their contract hours to make Deltona Elementary what it is today. Mrs. Shellabarger compensated them with "Flex" time. Now because of that, Mrs. Shellabarger has been non-reappointed (fired) from her position as principal at Deltona Elementary. Her staff and families were notified at the same time she received those papers through a text message. 

This is not the way a person who has served Hernando County should be treated. As teachers we cannot expell a student on their first infraction, so how s it that District officials can treat a long time employee like this?

Please sign this petition to reinstate Mrs. Debi Shellabarger as principal for the 2024-2025 school year and let her finish out her tenure to retirement in the district she has been loyal to for the past 27 years.