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 Superintendent Finalists meeting on August 12, 2025.
Chair Chad Choate called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the Agenda Amendments - added after publishing. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes of the July 15, 2025 Special School Board Meeting, and July 22, 2025 School Board Meeting. Approved 5-0.
Public Comments: None.
New Business
Approval of Seventh Amendment to Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Property, North River Ranch School Site, and Noncash Charitable Contributions Tax Form - Added after publishing. Approved 5-0.
New Business: (No Superintendent Recommendation)
Board Discussion and Vote Regarding Superintendent Finalists
Florida School Boards Association Executive Director, Andrea Messina, asked Board Members to share which candidates for superintendent they would like to advance as a finalist. Heather Felton selected Dr. Laurie Breslin, David Adams, Luis Solano and Dr. Misty Mathis. Charlie Kennedy selected Dr. Laurie Breslin. Richard Tatem selected Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis. Cindy Spray selected Dr. Laurie Breslin. Chad Choate selected Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis.
A motion was made to advance Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis as finalists in the superintendent search. Approved 5-0.
Ms. Messina reviewed with School Board Members the interview schedule and procedures, as well as logistics for next week’s Board interview, individual interviews, dinner, press gaggle, and Community Meet and Greet with the two finalists.
The candidate from out of town will arrive on Sunday, August 17, and FSBA will be at the hotel to meet her. The Board interviews with the two finalists will be on Monday at 9:00 AM and will be aired on METV. In the afternoon, the finalists will tour schools. A press gaggle will be held at 5:45-6:15 PM at Manatee Technical College, followed by the Community Meet and Greet from 6:15-8:00 PM. On Tuesday, August 19, the Board will conduct one-on-one private interviews with candidates.
Board Members will be provided with a full bank of optional questions as well as reminders of prohibited topics, such as religion, politics, or family status.
Mr. Kennedy stated he would like his individual interviews with finalists to be audio recorded for transparency. However, he did not feel all board members needed to do so if they did not want to. Ms. Spray stated she does not want her interview to be recorded.
Ms. Felton wanted to clarify that the public is not able to submit public comments for the record during the Board’s interviews on August 18 or at the Meet and Greet. However, after the Meet and Greet, the district will open a QR code from the 18th to the 24th for citizen input, and citizens may also contact board members directly via email or phone.
The community submitted 363 responses to the online survey for Public Input, which closed on August 10th. These will be compiled and posted on the district website. The Board thanked the public for participating and encouraged them to continue providing feedback throughout this process.
Mr. Choate expressed appreciation to Ms. Messina and Dr. Rice of the FSBA and to Dr. Bill Vogel for managing a smooth, transparent, and timely process, as well as to the board attorney for his availability and guidance.
Superintendent Remarks:
Superintendent Kevin Chapman appreciated the support of Manatee County’s first responders in helping with back-to-school roadway safety messaging by parking their vehicles along busy school routes and displaying large banners that schools are back in session and to drive slowly.
Board Comments:
Ms. Felton appreciated participating in the great tradition of Board and staff waving off bus drivers on the first and last days of school. She extended appreciation for and wished a fabulous year to all district personnel - teachers, staff, custodial, transportation, food service, and everyone who plays a role.
Mr. Choate agreed the bus send-off was great and brought attention to bus safety, having just witnessed some drivers not stopping for school buses when they should have. He cautioned people to be aware of road safety at bus stops and medians. He shared that the school zone speed limit has been reinstated at Oneco on 53rd by FDOT. He thanked Ms. Cox for all her help with the superintendent search. He was excited for day two of the school year.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:49 AM.
This was a quick and efficient meeting.
Mr. Kennedy’s comments about Candidate Solano were observed to be inappropriate and unnecessary.
The observers feel the public would have benefited from a discussion about the financial implications of the land deal.
The observers commend Ms. Felton for clarifying when and where the public can give their comments about the candidates for superintendent.
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