Manatee School Board Selects Breslin as Next Superintendent

BRADENTON — At Tuesday's meeting, Manatee County School Board members unanimously selected Dr. Laurie Breslin as the next Manatee Schools Superintendent. The board had previously narrowed its search to two finalists after abruptly terminating Dr. Jason Wysong in late May, even though he had another year remaining on his contract.

Breslin has been the district's Executive Director of Student Support & Family Engagement since 2023. Before that, she served a year as Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and another as Director of Secondary Curriculum.

Breslin is a native of Manatee County and a product of the local school district. She earned her undergrad and two master's degrees from the University of Florida before receiving her doctorate from Argosy University. Breslin taught at Southeast High and Manatee High and later worked for Sarasota County Schools, serving as principal of Sarasota Middle from 2018 to 21. 

Board members consistently cited Breslin's roots in the community and working relationships within the school district as the driving factor in selecting her over Dr. Misty Mathis, whom each member praised as worthy of leading a district. 

Breslin thanked the community for showing support for her selection and the board for having the confidence to select her as the new leader of the district.

“I am deeply honored by the trust the School Board has placed in me, and I am humbled to serve the community that shaped me as both a student and an educator," said Breslin. "I am committed to building on our strengths, listening to our families, and ensuring every child has a path to success. This is more than a professional responsibility—it is a personal calling."

By a 5-0 vote, the board members directed the chair to begin contract negotiations.