LWV Manatee School Board Notes: 6/10/25

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 6/10/25.

The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Chair Choate followed by him reading the district vision. Mr. Choate introduced Pastor Jerry Parrish from the PAL Outreach. Chair Choate led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Celebrations / Recognitions

Communication Department Awards (No Financial Impact)

Mr. Michael Barber, Communications Director, introduced his Communications Department including the MSTV staff, and summarized the awards accumulated by this group. Videos highlighted the Good News Campaign that began in 2021 to provide media coverage that was no longer being provided by local newspapers. There have been 750 Good News stories published since the program began. Other districts around the state have begun this program as a result. He said “We wanted to associate ‘good news’ with the Manatee School District.” More than 200,000 viewers have seen these on YouTube. There are 6,800 views per month on the district web-site page. Interim Superintendent Chapman, recognized Mr. Barber’s upcoming retirement after serving the district for nineteen years, and presented him with an engraved crystal plaque and a lifetime ticket to all seven high school’s sporting events. Mr. Omar Edwards, Associate Director of Strategic Planning Initiatives, thanked Mr. Barber for immensely helping him transition to working at the district office.

Public Comments –

SZ – thanked the Board Members for their open dialogue since February to address including charter schools in receiving the surtax and their resolve in finding a path forward.

BH – said she is a parent of a student who was punished for doing the right thing. Her son reported to the school administration that he was a victim of sexual harassment by a faculty member. She said he was called a liar and was given a 10-day suspension. She also indicated that no one from the school district notified the Department of Children Services. Her family called the Child Abuse Hotline. The teacher was not placed on leave until the police investigation was complete. When she reached out to the then Superintendent, he turned the matter over to the Executive Director of Secondary Schools and the Principal. She called for a full FDLE investigation action against everyone who failed her child.

DW – said he is lifelong resident and retired State Trooper in Palm Beach. As part of his duties, he initiated the finger printing required of district personnel. There is a three-year transition period to re-fingerprint all personnel by January 21, 2027. He claimed the district is not in compliance.  Charter schools are waiting for the district to give them direction; however, statute expects charter schools to take care of this on their own. The district has not informed the charter schools that they need to handle this themselves.

CK - finished BH’s speech. She then described incidents at the same middle school when her son was attacked two times and disciplined for fighting back. She said her family had reached out to the SRO and school administrator and not heard from anyone. She described characteristics of the principal she found objectionable, calling for the principal’s dismissal.

Consent Items - The 35 items on the Consent Agenda were approved 5-0.

Public Hearing: Public Hearing for Consideration to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies

Mr. Choate closed the public meeting, opened the public hearing and asked if there was public comment on the school board policies. Hearing none he closed the public hearing and reopened the public meeting.

New Business (Non-Consent Items)

Approval to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies (General Fund). Approved 5-0 the amended group of policies and excluded Policy 1430.1.

Interim Superintendent Chapman summarized several of the policies. One (031.1) allows for the Superintendent with counsel to make minor technical edits to policies with briefing to the board. A few of the changes address bringing up to date food and nutrition services to FDA guidelines. Also, a change in sick leave policies were made regarding who could take advantage of sick leave donations to a co-employee who is a child, parent or spouse and not to in-laws.

Discussion followed about the change in sick leave policies. Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Felton indicated that the definition of “family” member needs to be broadened. Mr. Dye indicated the statute prescribes the family for public school employees as child, parent or spouse, not including in-laws. Mr. Kenney believes statutorily it can be worked around. Ms. Spray indicated her experience was use it or lose it, or buy it back, and wondered if exceptions could be considered on a case-by-case basis. She asked this one item be pulled for further deliberation and moved that 1430.03 be pulled to allow for district staff to review this one. Mr. Tatem seconded. Mr. Kennedy indicated he felt there is a place for flexibility and Ms. Felton concurred should be able to add someone else. Approved 5-0.

Approval of Advertising a Notice of Intent to Amend School Board Policies and Setting a Public Hearing at the Board Meeting on July 22, 2025 (General Fund). Approved 5-0 after voting 5-0 to add Policy 1430.03 to the batch.

Approval of Budget Amendments for April 2025 (No Financial Impact) Ms. Sellers described 770 amendments and the implications of those over one million. Approved 5-0. 

Revision of the Job descriptions of Program Specialist District Support to Coordinator, Virtual Education Programs (General Fund) – updated 6/5/2025. Mr. Chapman indicated this is an edit to the job description for a longtime employee that no longer matches what the individual is doing and this brings it up to date. Approved 5-0.

Approval of New job Description and Position of Coordinator, Budget (General Fund)

This is a new position to support the Budget Director. Approved 5-0.

Approval of New Job Description and Position of Accountant, Charter Schools (General Fund)

Mr. Chapman explained this is a new position to handle all of the legally obligated financial analysis and monthly reports of charter schools. Ms. Spray said she often has questions about charter school finances and hopes this job will allow board members to get specific questions answered about struggling charter schools. Ms. Sellers indicated current employees have been stretched thin to address the 13 charter schools. The new position will result in better clarity and flow of information. Approved 5-0.

New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)

Acceptance of the Resignation of Audit Committee Member (No Financial Impact). Ms. Foreman submitted her resignation. Mr. Kennedy indicated Mr. Wagner is also leaving. Approved 5-0.

Approval of the Re-appointment of Audit Committee Member James Daniel (No Financial Impact) Mr. Kennedy indicated Mr. Daniel will serve as Chair until June 30 and hopes he will continue as Chair since Ms. Foreman was slated to move into that position. Approved 5-0.

Discussion and Vote – Selection of Florida School Board Association (FSBA) Advocacy Committee Representative and Alternate (No Financial Impact). Mr. Choate has been the representative. Ms. Felton volunteered to be the representative. Mr. Tatem will serve as the alternate. Approved 5-0.

Discussion and Possible Appointment of Value Adjustment Board Members (No Financial Impact. Ms. Spray said she is currently serving on this Board and moved Mr. Grady Chapman serve in the citizen role. Approved 5-0.

Ratification of signed Contract Amendment Between Dr. Jason Wysong and School Board of Manatee County.  Mr. Dye said this is a formality to ratify the agreement officially. Approved 5-0.

Discussion and Vote – Superintendent Search – updated 6-9-2025. After an extensive discussion, summarized below, a motion to contract with Dr. Vogel as the coordinator of the search process for the district, and to contract with Florida School Board Association to conduct the Superintendent search and selection process was approved 5-0.

While it was agreed that the timeline proposed at the May 29 meeting was not tenable, Chair Choate explained that there are currently three proposals to consider for conducting the search and selection of a new Superintendent: HYA provided a new proposal; Zeal; and the Florida School Board Association. 

To determine the district staff time needed to coordinate between district resources, e.g., website postings, arranging for meetings and interviews, and the work of the search and selection vendor, Mr. Chapman described the work he did in this capacity on behalf of the district during the last Superintendent search. Chair Choate indicated Dr. Vogel would be willing to coordinate providing the district support needed in the process. Mr. Dye estimated Dr. Vogel would be willing to do the coordination for $5,000. 

Now that the timeline has been pushed back, FSBA would be available to do the work and reasons to choose them were put forth. The School Board has confidence in FSBA having worked with them in the past. While Dr. Vogel is no longer employed by FSBA, he served with them for many years and knows their staff well. Dr. Vogel is intimately knowledgeable with the district and its resources having stepped in as an interim Superintendent in the past. FSBA works with Florida school boards all the time. Mr. Kennedy said he feels FSBA is the gold standard for a Superintendent Search. Ms. Spray advocated for Zeal if they would match timeline and HYA’s travel proposal.

Ms. Felton expressed that she wanted the process to slow down and to be very transparent to the public, teachers, staff and administration and to make sure they know we are taking everything into account. Ms. Spray indicated she believes there are many applicants waiting to apply and wants the Superintendent in place by the start of school. Other Board Members indicated that the start time needed to be flexible. Discussion about a start time centered around when a new person should start in relation to the school calendar and the various district projects underway, such as rezoning. Mr. Kennedy indicated that much of the early work for a search firm has already been done such as qualifications and qualities and their experience in a sizable district. He said if other Board Members aren’t comfortable with a quicker timeline, he’s willing to wait until later. Mr. Tatem said he would be okay with an October 1 start date if needed.

Mr. Tatem indicated he wants a 90-minute one-on-one interview with each finalist. Ms. Felton said she would like a community meet and greet of the finalists on the day of the interviews so that the district personnel and community can meet the finalists. 

The following tentative timeline was agreed upon:

June 16, 2025 – Begin advertisement process; website goes live promoting search

July 15, 2025 – Advertisement closes; applications posted on website as they are submitted

July 28, 2025 – Board identifies finalists

July 29- August 12, 2025 – Final background checks and community feedback

August 12, 2025 – Board selects finalists for interviews

August 21, 2025 – Public Board interview of each finalist; evening meet and greet of finalists   

August 22, 2025 – Individual Board Member/ Finalist Interviews

August 26, 2025 – Board selects Superintendent; contract negotiations begin

September 9, 2025 – Finalize contract

[LWV Note: The LWV received the above tentative timeline after the meeting. There will be an 11:00 a.m. Special Meeting on June 17 with FSBA to finalize the timeline.]

Updates

Instruction – Mr. Jensen said over 1,000 students are attending a wide variety of summer projects and programs. The Guy Harvey Shark Week at King Middle School experience is completed. Students in twenty-one Title I schools visited Disney for a special learning project. High School choral students are returning from Europe where they performed in cathedrals and community centers. Teacher learning opportunities are on-going: high school science teachers are going to Mote Marine to support student science research; ESOL is hosting professional learning sessions and a dual language institute; and comprehensive ESE training for all school-based administrators.  District staff is currently cleaning up assessment data ahead of school grades and setting up testing calendar for next year. At Manatee Technical College, of the 70 day and night programs, 50 are already at capacity and closed for fall at MTC; however, there are many opportunities available. There has been a recent Nursing and Dental Assisting pinning ceremony. In two weeks, there will be the largest number (700) to graduate from MTC. National competitions in vocational areas continue throughout the summer.

Operations - Mr. Ranaldi announced for Human Resources, over 200 people attended a recent teaching/para fair. He commented on how busy the department is with new hires and transfers. He indicated the increase in pay for bus drivers is working as evidenced by 15 active candidates, seven in training, and still interviewing others. Upcoming Job Fairs include June 24 Operations at Wakeland, July 10 Teacher Para virtual, July 22 Operational at Wakeland. 

To clarify the public comment regarding fingerprinting at charter schools, he relayed that on April 7 district and charter school staff were in a session where charter schools were told they are to take over the full responsibility for the process of finger printing at their schools. On April 23, HR met with charter school administrators to tell them how to set up accounts and take over the full process. In a survey completed the week after, all but two schools had set up account and were proceeding. Now it appears all charter schools have taken charge of this. Today’s speaker was a vendor.  

Mammolink 3-D bus will offer all schools and support sites access to mammograms, and ultrasound screenings; as well as pain management support to avoid surgery. Both benefits require employees to be on a school district health plan to participate.   The Food and Nutrition Department served 22,960 meals in their first week, 8000 more than last year because of two new sites and the earlier start of some summer school programs. There will be Fun and Sun Wednesdays at the summer service sites. He thanked the Board for approving the GMPs for the construction of Artisan Lakes and Rye Ranch schools. 

Legal – Mr. Dye had nothing to report.

Superintendent’s Remarks – Mr. Chapman thanked the Board for approving in the consent items the two new schools’ GMPs as well as funding to expand the Lee Middle School Program, Game On, to other middle schools. He attended his first Commissioner of Education Summit with other superintendents and college presidents. This week he will attend the FSBA/FADDS conference of state school boards and superintendents. Staff is in the 2025-2026 budget preparation for the June 24 Board Workshop. The draft rezoning maps to be implemented for the 2026-2027 school year are out for public input on the district website through August 15. He encouraged the principals and their staff to get rest when he met with them last week. 

In regard to two of the public comments today, he reminded the Board and public that the district takes student security very seriously. An arrest was made in this case at Haile Middle School and a thorough external investigation on how this case unfolded is being conducted and he will provide an update when the investigation is over. He said he would make sure all laws and procedures were followed. This summer the district is reviewing all policies and procedures with student safety and these issues will be part of the summer leadership conference in July with all principals, assistant principals and district directors. He acknowledged there have been two serious events this year around student safety and the district is making sure to address all seriously including with the Sheriff and Children Services.

Board Comments

Ms. Felton said she had a great time with end of year celebrations including the helicopter event at Barbara Harvey Elementary where a Coast Guard helicopter flew over with a diver repelling and letting off a smoke bomb signifying the winning house’s color. She wonders how Principal Rio will top that next year. She helped award Blackburn their certificates to 5th graders who are going into middle school. She attended a “Soar in 4” event and will participate in FSBA next week as an ambassador, guiding participants. She acknowledged she worked with Mr. Barber on the Bradenton Herald years ago and wishes him well on his retirement. She thanked Mr. Ranaldi and staff for all hard work on rezoning. She concluded with “Happy Pride to all who celebrate.”

Mr. Kennedy is also going to FSBA. He commended Mr. Barber for the Good News project. He wished well the many who are celebrating over 25 years of service to the district. He said he appreciated Mr. Chapman’s update on school safety because he had some questions. Mr. Kennedy said we need to reinforce about appropriate boundaries and include some training for the new school year. He said the vast majority of employees are appropriate with co-workers and children.

Mr. Tatem said he is glad there are sessions already scheduled on student safety and with the sheriff’s office. His safety tip was don’t go in the water if you don’t know how to swim. If you do, put on a life jacket and only go in to the ankles.

Ms. Spray wants the public to know the person in question during public comment was terminated today. She went on to say, we are all adults and if you work in this district and don’t know where the line is with students, you do not belong in this district. She said she will not let that line be crossed as long as she’s on the board. Ms. Spray indicated to the parents here and a month ago, this case isn’t done. She said she wants to know where the failures are and why this is happening, working through the legal system and our policies. She thanked the rezoning people for taking her concerns into their work. She thanked Mr. Edwards and Mr. Wooten for their work.

Mr. Choate expressed appreciation for all that Mr. Jensen said was going on this summer. He said people think when school is out everything quits. 

Adjournment 1:31 pm

Watch the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMwZMCDL65k&t=5808s

GOVERNANCE AND SUNSHINE

Ms. Spray appeared to have difficulty tracking the Superintendent search discussion at times. She questioned why the process couldn’t be sped up even after the steps to the process were described in detail. She questioned why there needed to be established dates for interviews and was reminded that finalists would need to be able to plan. The other four Board Members were in agreement to slow the process. 

The discussion of the Superintendent search appeared thorough, however disjointed. The observers appreciate the district's responsively providing a summary of the tentative timeline following the meeting. 

The observers noted that having a comparative summary of each of the three search companies’ proposals on the screen would have helped the conversation and better informed the viewers. Even after this very long discussion, the public still does not know what each of the proposals offered and the cost for each. And at the end of the conversation, the public is still not aware of what the Superintendent search will cost.

We commend Ms. Felton for expressing concern to avoid starting a new superintendent during the start up of the school year stating that the district should not have anything major going on other than getting school started properly. We also commend Mr. Choate for expressing he wanted feedback from the staff regarding the timeline on the final stages/timeline for selecting the Superintendent and agreed not to add things to the first week teachers are back and the first week students are back.

Ms. Spray praised the district for adding the position of Accountant for Charter Schools so Charter Schools are better able to be as transparent financially as district schools. We wonder if she should have clarified that assumption. 

We continue to remind the Board that the invocations should reflect the community as a whole