Manatee County school board names finalists in Superintendent Search after 10 week search
By Samantha Gholar
The Manatee County School District is in the final stretch of its nationwide superintendent search, with two candidates now advancing to the final round. Community members still have time to make their voices heard before the board makes its decision.
During its Aug. 12 meeting, the School Board voted to name Laurie Breslin and Misty Mathis as the finalists for the district’s top leadership role. The decision follows months of candidate vetting, community feedback and preliminary interviews.
The next phase of the process will include panel interviews, one-on-one board interviews and a public meet-and-greet for residents to connect with the finalists.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens next and important dates to remember.
Key dates in the Superintendent search:
- Aug. 18 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm — Superintendent finalists panel interviews with the school board at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
- Aug. 18 | 6:15 pm– 7:45 pm — Community meet & greet with Breslin and Mathis at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton. Open to the public.
- Aug. 19 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm — One-on-one school board interviews with the finalists at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. These will be televised on MSTV but not open for public comment.
- Aug. 25 | 5:30 pm — The school board will select the new superintendent at a public meeting at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
- Sept. 9 | 5:30 pm — Board meeting and public budget hearing. The board will approve the new superintendent’s salary package and discuss the 2025–26 budget.
Members of the public and school district parents, teachers, students and advocates are able to speak to school board members. Here’s how you can make your voice heard in the selection process.
How to participate in the search for the next School District of Manatee County Superintendent:
- Email: Written comments may be submitted via public_comment@manateeschools.net. Comments should be typed and include the agenda topic, as well as the name and address of the person commenting. Written comments must be submitted in advance of the start of the workshop or meeting.
- Speak during public comment: Constituents may deliver concerns or comments and ask questions to the district leader in person at the Walter Miller School Support Center (SSC), 215 Manatee Ave. West. To speak in person during a meeting, click on the “Request to Speak” button or sign up in the lobby of the school board chambers. The “Request to Speak” button will be available at least 7 days before the meeting date. To request to speak at the Aug. 12 board meeting, sign up at the board website link: https://forms.office.com/r/EnTL4gaBX0.
- Take part in the online survey: Watch for an official survey on the Manatee County Schools website, where parents, teachers, students and advocates can share their priorities for the next superintendent.
- Attend public forums and meet-and-greets: Share feedback directly with board members and district leaders at the Aug. 18 event at Manatee Technical College.
- Host a community town hall: Partner with PTAs or community groups to gather input and send a collective statement to the board.
- Watch or stream school board meetings: Follow the process live on the district’s website or catch up later with the recorded meeting videos to stay informed about updates and decisions.
- Send letters or petitions: Mail your thoughts or petitions to: School Board of Manatee County, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
- Contact your school board member directly: All representatives’ phone numbers and emails are public records and listed on the Manatee County Schools website, and share your concerns or priorities for the superintendent search. Or you can reach all representatives and the superintendent by sending an Email All School Board Members and the Superintendent
- Pick up the phone: Call the school board office or your district representative directly. Sometimes, a good old-fashioned phone call is the quickest way to get questions answered or ensure your concerns are heard, officials say.