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 July 22, 2025.
The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Chair Choate. Ms. Felton read the district vision statement and introduced Lincoln Memorial Middle School Principal, Ronnie King, pastor at Christ Way Church in Tampa, to give the invocation. Mr. Choate led the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Superintendent Derek Jensen sat in for Superintendent Chapman.
Reports and Presentations:
Board discussion with the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) regarding the superintendent search. Dr. Vogel stated the application deadline of July 16 ended up with 16 applicants. It is on the website and he encouraged the community to read them and provide their feedback. Ms. Messina, FSBA, will talk with each of the Board members regarding the area about which each will interview candidates during the full board interview of the finalists. Community input ends on July 27. There have been 138 responses from the public to date. These will be forwarded to Board Members on July 28 prior to their deliberation on July 29 about which applicants will move forward in the process. There will be a discussion at 9:30 a.m. Board Workshop prior to the July 29, 2025, 5:45 p.m., Board Meeting.
Board Members have received the interview schedule for the finalists, and hotel reservations for the finalists have been made. Full Board interviews will be televised for the public, and the Meet and Greet at MTC is open to the public. Both events are scheduled for August 18. The schedule of the 90-minute ‘road trip’ on August 19 for finalists to see the schools and community is being revised due to the length of time it takes. The tour for each finalist will be conducted by a Chamber Member and district staff member.
Dr. Vogel reviewed the process for the Meet and Greet. Dr. Vogel met with Ms. Carson, the new communications director, to bring her up to date. He also reviewed the tally process that will be used with the Board for narrowing the selection of candidates. July 29 will be the first round of narrowing of candidates. In-depth background checks will follow for the finalists. Board Members will then decide who they would like to bring in for interviews. The August 12 meeting to determine finalists will be at 9:00 a.m. Dr. Vogel is also working on when the press will be notified of when they can become involved.
[LWV Note: The School District welcomes community input on the search for a new Superintendent. Please review the applicants’ information, including professional CVs, letters of recommendation, educational transcripts, and more here. Share your thoughts with the district at this survey link. View the timeline for the search process, qualities and qualifications the Board is looking for in a Superintendent, and more here. The deadline to provide feedback is Sunday July 27 at midnight.]
2024-2025 Florida Department of Education School and District Grade Updates:
Mr. Jensen shared a PowerPoint presentation to explain the components used to determine School and District Grades. He also shared the grading scales for Elementary, and Middle, High, K-8 and District. This school year, district schools earned: 25 A, 13 B, 24 C, and 2 D. This was the best schools have ever done. The calculation uses the 2023-2024 graduation rate due to the lag time in finalizing this data. The finalized 2024-2025 graduation numbers will be presented to the Board when they are complete. The district’s final grade is a B, falling in the mid-range of the 67 school districts.
Mr. Jensen explained why counting Algebra I and Geometry for accelerated students in middle school hurts the high school grade; it is, most importantly, beneficial for the students who are accelerating. The range for earning an A or B in 2025-2026 will be narrower and more difficult to attain. Schools will have to adapt to the changing landscape to attain a higher grade. Mr. Jensen highlighted the critical areas of work that will be the focus and the instructional initiatives for 2025-2026.
Ms. Felton expressed her frustration with the ever-changing range for the school grading system. Ms. Spray likened it to, “I thought the race was over; then they moved the line.” While Mr. Choate said he didn’t mind the change for next year, he agreed with Mr. Tatem that the school grading system needs changes that don’t cost money and would be something to look at for the legislative platform for next year.
Mr. Jensen said that there had been a lot of hard work done before he ever arrived and not too long ago, Manatee District had 18-20 D and F schools.
[LWV Note: See the full presentation here.]
Public Comments:
JV is a community member of the county and appreciates what the board does. She is concerned about the federal funding and consequences for student performance. The board is not at fault and the community is at a loss without a statement from the board as to how they will address this loss of funding from the federal government.
JL is a Manatee County student. She congratulated the district for earning a B. The federal government is reducing funding this county relies on. It has left students, teachers and parents wondering what that means for us. Sarasota is convening community meetings. Pinellas is holding town halls. Why isn’t Manatee doing anything to explain this to the community?
JP is a resident of Manatee County and concerned about the federal government withholding $6 million. I am concerned the community has not heard how this will impact our district. He asked that they hold a town hall and put out a full public statement on how this will impact us.
PP has studied in Manatee County schools. She is concerned how the federal funding reduction will affect Manatee students. It is not your fault but it is your responsibility to keep the public informed.
DS is a Sarasota resident but has siblings in Manatee. Like other speakers she expressed concern with the lack of information on how the lack of funding will impact students and teachers. There has been no official statement of this issue. What programs, etc. will be affected? Along with a transparent statement, she asked that the board adopt a resolution that she read. (She distributed copies to the board.)
Even though it is against Board procedures to respond directly to public commenters, Mr. Choate allowed it. Mr. Jensen responded that they did receive notification of the funding freeze and the Superintendent and Ms. Sellers and other departments affected have been in discussion on this. Much of this is Title II (teacher and administrator professional development), Title III (ESOL/ELL), and Title IV (student achievement) programs that are most affected . The question was how can we address this without affecting students in our district. The 21st Century Grant has been returned to the district. The district has a fund balance that will help in the short term. District travel has been restricted. They have made strategic cuts and most were at the district level and don’t impact students ‘this’ year. Ms. Sellers responded that most of the funding such as in Title I will not be impacted. Mr. Choate added that we will not feel much of an impact this year but that is not a guarantee for the future.
Board Members commended the young people who brought their concerns about not hearing the district’s plan to address the federal government’s action to their attention and they would consider the resolution offered.
Consent Items: 30 Items were approved 5-0
Public Hearing: Public Hearing for Consideration to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies. Hearing no public comments, the Public Hearing was adjourned and the regular meeting reopened.
New Business (Non-Consent Items):
Approval to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies (General Fund). Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Budget Amendments for May 2025 (No Financial Impact). Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Parrish Classical Preparatory Academy Application, Sponsored by Charter Schools, USA, for the 2027-2028 School Year (No Net Financial Impact). Approved 4-1 with Mr. Kennedy opposed and with no discussion.
Approval to Publish a Notice of Public Hearing to Adopt Tentative Millage Rates and Tentative - Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (General Fund). Approved 5-0.
The Public Hearing will be held on July 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The Notice of Tax for School Capital Outlay states: “The School District of Manatee County, Florida, will soon consider a measure to continue to impose a 1.5 mill property tax for the capital outlay projects listed herein. This tax is in addition to the school board's proposed tax of 4.804 mills for operating expenses and is proposed solely at the discretion of the school board.”
[Tentative Millage Rates here and Budget Summary here.]
New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation):
Approval of Audit Committee Charter Revision to Change the Number of Members. Approved 5-0.
Mr. Kennedy explained that this change revised the number required for the committee from 7 to the range of 3-7 to align with the current status of 3 members.
Discussion and Decision regarding Board and District Travel
Mr. Choate referred to the district travel cuts necessary to deal with the federal budget cuts and asked what cuts the board should make to travel. Ms. Felton indicated she has a full agenda of travel so it is needed to determine what is absolutely necessary. Mr. Kennedy stated if it is important for Board Members to attend certain things and he was willing to pay himself. Ms. Spray said she is interested if school board related events but not interested in FSBA. She made connections at the Chamber Retreat and she thinks they need to attend them. Ms. Spray said she doesn’t expect anyone on the board to pay out of pocket as this is just part of doing business. As a new Board Member Ms. Spray thinks Ms. Felton should go to the trainings. Mr. Tatem asked if there was a policy on travel. Mr. Jensen explained how the district decisions on travel are being made with authorization for those events necessary for the work of the individual. Mr. Tatem doesn’t see the need to restrict board travel because information they get is essential. Mr. Choate said he sees both sides but doesn’t want restrictions/ban, but just be more judicious.
Updates
Instruction: Mr. Jensen described the leadership conference of school and district leaders last week, next week’s new teacher orientation (200 teachers), and the Summer Refresh Conference where 900 have signed up. The Soar in 4 lab is having soft openings to iron out any needs before the official ribbon cutting in September. He indicated Dr. Jodi Kirk, the new Director of MTC, is cross training with Mr. Wagner as he prepares to retire. Mr. Jensen thanked the Board for their kindness to him in his acting Superintendent role tonight.
Operations: Mr. Ranaldi recognized HR for processing over 444 employees in the last month who were hired, transferred, retired, or resigned. At a recent job fair where 183 attended, 99 were invited for principal interviews. At today’s operations job fair there were 70 attendees and offers were made for custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. He expects vacancies in all areas to be in single digits when school opens. He indicated HR is rolling out online digital references to speed up hiring and an online exit survey will be ready in September. There will be two more operational job fairs in next couple of weeks. The summer Food Service program at 66 sites has served 175,000 meals. Kids Welfare and Resource Fair will be held at Lincoln Park on July 24 with community resources there from many departments and organizations. The first 500 will get prizes. In the Transportation Department there are 100 active drivers and 8-9 in pipeline and will allow them to react in real time to issues.
Legal: Mr. Dye had no report.
Superintendent Update: Mr. Jensen deferred to Ms. Sellers who described the improved financial rating for the district.
Board Comments:
Ms. Felton expressed appreciation for the people who came in and spoke today regarding funding. She urged the Board and district to be ahead of the narrative, saying “we are not good at that.” She was impressed during her visits to the student summer programs. She acknowledged the course offerings for teachers next week and is having a “little teacher nostalgia” saying she still has those back-to-school nightmares. She encouraged teachers to enjoy the rest of the little time before you go back.
Mr. Kennedy thanked the 16 applicants for the Superintendent position. Mr. Kennedy invited Board Members to come to the next Audit Committee meeting to meet the new external auditors.
Mr. Tatem’s safety tip was to learn to swim describing recent drownings in the news, and to help your kids not to be afraid of water and get swimming lessons. He asked Ms. Sellers if her budget people were here nights and weekends and thanked them.
Ms. Spray pointed out the MTC’s aviation program was on the consent agenda. She said the school board consortium meets next month and they should ask for law changes rather than money. She said her focus this year is on phonics. She announced the August 2 Back to School Bash at LECOM Park put on by the community.
Mr. Choate thanked the staff for putting everything together for the meeting. He acknowledged that Food Service worked all summer and thanked them. He said he hopes teachers are refreshed. He thanked all applicants who took their time to apply for Superintendent. He reminded everyone that the business at next week’s meeting is for the approval of the tentative budget with approval of the final in September
Adjournment – 7:47 p.m.
GOVERNANCE AND SUNSHINE
Board Members asked clarifying questions regarding the Florida Department of Education grading systems.
We remind Ms. Spray that it is not in her lane as a School Board Member to direct instructional activities such as espousing her “focus on phonics.”
As an educator, Ms. Felton explained why grading on a curve hurts schools and students. She said, “If we don’t meet the new narrowed numbers next year but we improve, we are penalized.” Her explanation points to why it’s important that a new superintendent has teaching and school leadership experience.
We commend the Board’s recognition of the public commenters tonight and agree that the district has been woefully behind providing narrative to the community on many recent issues. While Board Members may be satisfied with the actions being planned and taken by the district regarding the freeze on US Department of Education funds, community members need assurances that issues are being addressed by receiving the full facts in the matter and accurate information. We found Ms. Spray’s comments to be condescending and self-serving, as though she will provide any information needed so no one need worry. It’s helpful that Mr. Kennedy assured everyone that the Board Members have been fully briefed on the situation. However, Board or district silence could mean things are being handled, but could also be perceived by the public as not being addressed. [LWV note: As promised, the district did publish a statement on July 23 on the district website here.]
While the Board Members discussed their own travel as a way to show solidarity with the district, their final conclusion did not lead to anything but being judicious. Ms. Spray’s comment, with Mr. Tatem’s agreement, about minimizing cuts to School Board travel while cuts are being made for district staff and school personnel, was observed to be arrogant and insensitive.
Observers question why Board Members did not ask Mr. Dye for a legal report about the results of the DOAH recommendations regarding Verlin “Skip” Wilhoite and the Memorandum of Understanding made with Willie Taggart’s Foundation.
In regard to the approval of the Parrish Classical Preparatory Academy Application, we were concerned that there was no discussion before the vote was taken. On the evaluation, for the 22 criteria cited, 19 included a rubric that indicates if the standard is met, partially met, or not met. Of those 19, 10 were marked as met standard, 9 were marked as partially met. Clearly, almost half of the expected standards were only partially met. It seems that this should have at least triggered/warranted a discussion. Approving charter applications with no discussion is a disservice to the parents who may be considering this choice by denying them important and complete information.
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