Cindy Spray Elected Manatee County School Board Chair

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 Manatee School Board Reorganization Meeting on November 18, 2025.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Superintendent Laurie Breslin.  She explained the purpose of the Reorganization Meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Veteran Jamie Carson, the School District's Director of Communications.  Dr. Breslin stated that Mr. Choate would be joining the meeting remotely.

Reorganization of the School Board

Election of Chairman  

Mr. Tatem nominated Ms. Spray for the Chair position. Ms. Felton nominated Mr. Tatem. Nominations were closed, and voting took place. Ms. Spray received five votes and was elected as the new chair. 

Election of Vice-Chairman

Mr. Choate nominated Mr. Tatem. Approved 5-0. Mr. Tatem became Vice Chair.

Superintendent Breslin indicated Mr. Choate would be recognized for his service as the past Chair. She then turned the gavel over to newly elected Chair Spray.

Set Schedule for Regular Meetings for the 2025-2026 Year

Chair Spray said members of the board received the suggested calendar for next year. One conflict was during graduation week on May 19, 5:30 p.m. and suggested the meeting be rescheduled for May 12. Superintendent Breslin concurred. The Board Members agreed to continue meeting at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The updated schedule will be published. 

Mr. Tatem asked whether those up for re-election would still be members at the November 2 meeting. It was established that they would continue until new members are sworn in. Mr. Kennedy moved, and Ms. Felton seconded, accepting the calendar as amended. It was approved 5-0.  

Discussion Regarding Workshops

Chair Spray noted that workshops had previously been on Thursdays and had been moved to Fridays to accommodate Mr. Choate’s work schedule. Chair Spray would like to move them back to Thursdays, alternating with meetings, as many people would like to have three-day weekends. Ms. Felton agreed with much of Chair Spray’s rationale, but said numerous school activities on Thursdays would conflict with Board Members attending. Mr. Kennedy asked for consistency. He suggested that, no matter which day is selected, to lessen conflicts, workshops should always be at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Tatem said it would work better for staff to meet on the same week. Dr. Breslin said she would appreciate it if meetings and workshops were not in the same week. Mr. Tatem asked what would be best for the staff. Dr. Breslin indicated that staff will accommodate their decision, but preference would be to alternate weeks. Mr. Choate suggested that both meetings and workshops be on Tuesdays. Mr. Kennedy suggested putting workshops on the calendar for the Tuesday of the week following the regular meeting. Mr. Tatem confirmed with Dr. Breslin that staff would be prepared even if the Monday prior is a no-school day. It was moved by Mr. Choate and seconded by Mr. Kennedy to move workshops to Tuesdays. Approved 5-0.

Discussion of Board Committee Assignments for 2025-2026

Board Members agreed to the following assignments and approved 5-0.

Citizens Financial Audit Committee – Mr. Kennedy

Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition – Mr. Tatem

Children’s Services Advisory Board – Ms. Felton

CFOC – omitted from list since this committee is no longer needed.

Auditor Selection Committee– Mr. Kennedy

Florida School Boards Association Advocacy Committee – Ms. Felton; alternate Mr. Tatem

Florida School Board Florida Education Investment Trust Fund (aka FL PALM) – Mr. Choate

Florida School Board Association Finance Committee – Mr. Kennedy

Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards– Ms. Felton 

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance – Mr. Tatem; suggested that all board members attend at least once

Legislative Liaison – Chair Spray with Mr. Choate as alternate

Manatee County Chamber of Commerce – Chair Spray  

MTC Board of Governors– Mr. Tatem

School Health Advisory – Ms. Felton

Value Adjustment Board – Chair Spray with Mr. Tatem as alternate

Manatee Education Foundation – Mr. Choate

Manatee County Fair Board – Ms. Felton

School Board Liaison for IT and Cybersecurity – Mr. Kennedy

Local Coordinating Board – Mr. Kennedy

Recess Reorganization Meeting

Annual Meeting of Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation 

Call to Order of the Annual Meeting of the Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation – Approved 5-0

Articles of the Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation names the School Board members as the Leasing Corporation members. The Leasing Corporation’s Officers include: the School Board Chair is President, the Board Vice Chair is Vice President and the Secretary is the Superintendent.  

Annual Meeting of the Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation was adjourned.

Reconvene Reorganization Meeting

Superintendent’s Comments - Superintendent Breslin thanked the Board for a smooth reorganization meeting and she wished the Board Members a Happy Thanksgiving and a happy break for staff.

Board Member Comments

Ms. Felton indicated there was a lovely Veteran’s Day Parade in Parrish and Mr. Tatem received an award at the parade ceremony. He was one of three community members receiving an award. She asked staff and the Superintendent to “please take time off for Thanksgiving.”

Mr. Kennedy wished a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Mr. Choate congratulated Chair Spray and Vice Chair Tatem. He said, “Have a Happy Thanksgiving.” 

Mr. Tatem referenced a Wall Street Journal article stating the huge need for mechanics. He said we need to encourage students to go into trades as well as college. And then Mr. Tatem shared an anecdote about when he was riding his bike on a multi-use-path and a woman walking her dog said he should not be on the path. He accounted for the thoughts going on his mind that led to a positive outcome by being helpful rather than confrontational. Even though he knew he was right, he used her feedback to reinforce that being helpful as a leader is important.

Ms. Spray thanked the board for electing her Chair and said she is looking forward to working more closely with the Superintendent. She asked the public to look at the district website for redistricting information.

Adjournment 6:13 p.m.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

We commend Chair Spray for a successful first meeting. As her first act as the new Chair, Ms. Spray demonstrated inclusivity by asking each board member their preference for workshop dates and times after voicing her own preference. The final decision was achieved by considering everyone’s point of view. 

Mr. Tatem was considerate of the staff when he discussed having workshops and meetings on alternate weeks and asked if having a Tuesday workshop following a Monday holiday would be a burden. 

While this was a perfect opportunity to inform the public of the purpose of the Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation, in addition to the role Board Members play, the Chair failed to do so.

We continue to caution reliance on acronyms that are familiar to Board Members but may not be understood by the public.