4/29/2025 Notes from School Board Meeting

Following are the major points from the School Board Meeting on 4/29/2025.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Choate followed by the reading of the district vision by Ms. Spray. To provide the invocation, Ms. Spray introduced Sylvia Archie, a member of Ward Temple AME and a retired district employee who worked in the Human Resources and Transportation Departments. Chair Choate introduced the Bayshore High School JROTC Color Guard who presented the flags, then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Celebrations / Recognitions

Florida Retired Educators Association Essay Contest Winner: – Mr. Barber introduced Chris Williamson of the Manatee Retired Educators and the chair of the annual 5th grade essay contest. Participants responded to the annual topic of an experience with a grandparent or an older adult who has influenced them. Mark Eubanks of Willis Elementary read his essay that placed first locally and third in the state. Kathy Price, Willis Elementary School Principal, introduced Mark. Mark was accompanied by his parents and little sister. His essay shared how much his grandmother teaching him to play chess has meant to him.

National Science Award: Addison Shea, Senior at Lakewood High School, was among 40 finalists in Washington DC who received more than 1.8 million dollars at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering competition. Addison received $25,000. Addison said it was an incredible experience to go to Washington, D.C. to meet so many talented people. She thanked her research teacher, Ms. Tammy Harper. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio introduced her. She was accompanied by her parents.

Math Superstars: The 26th annual math contest took place at the Bradenton Convention Center on April 5. Director of Elementary Curriculum, Allison Nichols, indicated that for the first time middle school 6th graders competed as well. Thirty-three elementary schools and 10 middle schools each sent a team of two to compete. The top teams in each division won a traveling trophy with the team members’ names inscribed. For elementary division, first place was Willis Elementary, second was Samoset Elementary, and third was Gullett Elementary. For the middle schools, Electa Lee Middle won first place, Mona Jain won second, and Braden River won third. Parents of the Math Superstars winners were asked to stand, demonstrating the large group who attended.

State Championship Weightlifters: Sherrickia King, Junior at Manatee High School, is the 3A state champion in the top weight class in the combined snatch and jerk. Rich Lansky, her coach, praised her as a joy to work with both in the classroom and the weight room. Manatee High Principal, Ms. Fleming and Athletic Director, Matt Bowling accompanied her along with her parents. Kale Bunce of Palmetto High School was also recognized for being a four-year state champion but was unable to be at this meeting.

Public Comments –
SZ – pointed out that the workshop regarding the distribution of revenue from the ½ cent sales tax to charter schools has been delayed twice. He gave the background of why he perceived the current board did not follow the process of previous boards for properly financing charter schools. He emphasized that we are one school system and district.

LE- said she has been a veterinarian in Manatee County for 17 years and is a product of the school system who came back to practice here after getting her degrees. She understood the promises made by the voters in 2016 that charter schools would be included in the funding. She said what should not change is that the money should follow the children. She cannot attend the workshop but would like to understand what has changed and why it has changed between 2016 and 2024.

LP – thanked the school board for support of the charter schools. She moved here from California and was pleased in the choice of sending her children to State College of Florida’s charter school for their excellent education. She stated we are all united by one desire to educate those with different educational background and school choice meets that need. She would like to honor the way the special tax is funded to charter schools.

AM – said she is a parent and advocate for student safety. She spoke on behalf of her eleven-year-old daughter and her safety. She objected to the teacher who abused her daughter to be permitted to resign. She stated he should be terminated so that the reasons for his termination are known to all. She asked for accountability for this male 5th grade teacher and that he be terminated. She said her daughter is emotionally damaged.

LK – introduced himself as a former principal and the grandfather of AM’s daughter. He stated that this 5th grade teacher abused his granddaughter and he was here to make sure this does not happen to any other kid. He asked that the school system “do more” and terminate the teacher. He said that someone should have been watching this staff member as this was not the only time he approached my granddaughter. He said he was told that the reason for accepting the teacher’s resignation was so that the children would not have to testify, but the family was not consulted.

NN – indicated he was pleased to be able to speak to the board at this public meeting as this does not happen around the world. He said he is an educator and is making sure every child should have equal access to the same resources. Charter and district schools are not getting the same resources. The board represents all students regardless what school they go to.

PL – said she also has an 11-year-old fifth grader and a third grader at Gullett Elementary. She described the underlying element of fear of a shooter when students are dropped off and the assurances given by guardians inside and outside for safety. She indicated that the teachers inside the school are expected and assumed to make the school a safe learning place. She described the codes of conduct at work places and that when employees violated these they are terminated to separate from the bad behavior. She felt someone should have seen the red flags and stopped the behavior.

A recess was called. Once reconvened, Mr. Kennedy indicated speaking to the Superintendent about policy and training reform and asked the mother who spoke during public comment to speak with him personally. Ms. Spray asked the amendment of April 25 of the HR board work be pulled and placed under New Business. Ms. Spray said she received new information since approving the agenda earlier in the meeting. Mr. Choate agreed to pull this from the amended Human Resources consent agenda item.

Consent Items – The 17 items on the Consent Agenda were approved 5-0 without the HR amendment.

Public Hearing: Public Hearing for Consideration to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies
Mr. Choate closed the public meeting, opened the public hearing and asked if there was public comment on the school board policies. Hearing none he closed the public hearing and reopened the public meeting.

New Business: (Discussion of Items Pulled from Consent with a Superintendent Recommendation)

Amendment of the HR Consent Item: Acceptance of the Resignation of an Employee While Under Investigation.  

Dr. Wysong said he would not comment on the ongoing external investigation of the current case. He outlined the specific processes that adheres to school board policy and state statute when there is a credible allegation.  District Attorney Pendley and Board Attorney Petruff each provided specific information about the district and state processes for handling an employee alleged to violate the local and state codes of ethics and conduct.  

It was indicated that the individual in question has tendered his resignation and his contract will not be renewed.  Accepting his resignation while under investigation results in the same outcome as termination.  He was immediately removed from any student contact when the incident was made known. He will not be rehired by the district, his file has been flagged if there are requests for references, and his file has been flagged at the state level as well.  This is in addition to the outcome of the external criminal investigation that is currently ongoing.  When the external investigation is complete, the district’s Office of Professional Standards will complete their internal investigation, and so will Florida’s Department of Education’s Office of Professional Practices.  These all take time.  

If the school board decides to terminate, rather than accept the resignation while under investigation, the process will take longer and the individual would have the opportunity to ask for a hearing.  If the individual asked for a hearing and his employment ends before that time, then the individual could walk away when the hearing court finds the issue moot. Accepting the resignation while under investigation will be faster yet have the same results as termination. The Superintendent does not have the authority to terminate an employee. This is a responsibility of the School Board. Since the incident, this was the first board meeting.

School Board members expressed heartfelt sympathy for the student and her family.    Dismay was expressed that the details they heard during public comments, had not been shared during their briefings.  They each asked many clarifying questions. Ms. Spray repeatedly expressed that resignation was too little and that termination needed to happen even after district staff and board colleagues explained why supporting the superintendent’s recommendation was the most expedient means to remove the individual. She also thought he should have been placed on unpaid leave. She was advised that would have required school board action. Board members expressed frustration that the incidents had occurred and that the teacher should receive serious consequences.  There was also concern about how incidents can occur without someone knowing quickly to address appropriately and that good communication needs to occur with the stakeholders. However, members expressed concern that there is a risk if they don’t accept the resignation while under investigation.

Approved 4-1 to accept the resignation while under investigation with Ms. Spray dissenting.

Mr. Choate passed the gavel to Ms. Spray as he was going to his daughter’s lacrosse play-off game. Ms. Spray called a five-minute recess.

New Business (Non-Consent Items)

Approval to Adopt and Amend School Board Policies (General Fund)

Mr. Tatem questioned this policy about proclamations saying it is an open door for controversial topics and amended the motion to strike the changes and have the policy to say ‘school board of Manatee County does not do proclamations and school board members can mention important events in their board comments.’ Without a second to the motion, Mr. Tatem began a discussion. Other Board members pointed out that the way the policy is written addresses his concerns: it limits proclamations to the curriculum; requires a 28-day timeline, and a discussion with the Superintendent before placing it on the agenda. The policy as presented passed 3-1 with Mr. Tatem dissenting.

Approval of Reimbursement Resolution 2025-2002 for Expenditure for New High School AAA (No financial impact) Approved 4-0

Approval of the Revised Jo Description of Position for Lead Guardian (No financial impact) Approved 4-0

Approval of the Revised Job Description of Position for School Safety Guardian (No Financial Impact) Approved 4-0

Revision of Job Description of Literacy Coach (No financial impact) Approved 4-0

Approval of the Agreed Upon American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Raise Terms in the amount of $2,497,519 from the General/Food Service Fund, and ratification of the Superintendent’s signature on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU’s) for millage and millage carryforward distribution in amount of $6,887,33 (Multiple Funding Sources).

Dr. Wysong explained how the bonus and retroactive payments will be made over the next two available pay periods and that information will go out to the employees, as well as holding meetings to clarify. Approved 4-0

Approval of Advertising a Notice of Intent to Amend School Board Policies, including new board Policies, and Setting a Public Hearing at the Board Meeting on June 10, 2025 (General Fund). Approved 4-0

New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)

Acceptance of the Resignation of Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee Member
Ms. Spray and Mr. Kennedy commended the long-time work of Ms. Holly Johnson.
Approved 4-0

Discussion regarding Audit Committee Charter – Mr. Kennedy led a discussion of rolling the Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee and the Audit Committee together in some manner, as well as changing the composition to “three to seven members,” rather than requiring seven. Board members offered suggestions for combining or collaborating the work of the groups in a way that helps both groups. Mr. Kennedy said the Audit Committee meeting has been pushed back to May 13 and he would discuss it with them then. Ms. Spray suggested Mr. Kennedy put together a plan on how the two groups would work together.

Reports and Presentation

Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) Programs and Accountability

Mr. Jensen, Dr. Breslin and Dr. Halpin made the presentation based upon a power point linked below. Dr. Breslin indicated the Florida Early Learning and Development Standards are the basis for the VPK program. VPK is offered free of charge for either the school year or summer program but a child cannot participate in both. Families can select a school site and program that best meets their needs. Children can be tested at age 3 for ESE and enter a program. There are new metrics from the state for testing VPK students. Mr. McCarthy, Director of Assessment, shared data showing the improvements in learning over time. [LWV note: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3299197/2024-25_VPK_Programs___Accountability.pdf ]

Updates

Instruction – Mr. Jensen announced the testing window begins this week. He advised parents to have their children get a good night sleep and eat a good breakfast during testing. He acknowledged April as Library Month and that next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. High School Seniors last day is May 12 with graduation ceremonies taking place from May 13-19. Forty teachers applied and were accepted to take a summer program for certification in computer literacy through a grant from the University of Florida. MTC had 142 students inducted into the honor society nationally and in addition, holding a summer day camp for high school students interested in going into technical areas.

Operations – Mr. Ranaldi said Human Resources had an operations fair that was lightly attended but made several offers. Six bus drivers and 10 attendants are cued up for training. A teachers and paras spring kick off had 375 attendees and offers were made to 79 teachers and 20 paras with a total of 99 offers. Food and Nutrition celebrated Earth Day with special menus, decorations and costumes. Braden River High School harvested students harvested 76 pounds of lettuce for salads in the cafeterias as part of the USDA farm to school project. To drive 25 summer school routes, summer field trips and summer food programs, 27 bus drivers are ready. On behalf of ASCME, he thanked the school board for its support.

Legal – Ms. Petruff indicated she has drafted a letter with a survey to a party to cease and desist the nine-to-ten-foot encroachment of a concrete fence onto the King Middle School property on the south side.

Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Wysong in consideration of the late hour was brief. He pointed out the approved apprentice programs for MTC under the consent items. He has attended numerous evening events and made several school visits with board members. He remarked, “Hats off to faculty and administrators in winding down the school year.” He indicated several athletic teams are in state competitions and there are arts events. State testing will begin tomorrow. He noted he and the board members will be spending time together at graduations. He indicated the re-zoning process continues with 3 maps that will be published followed by five public meetings and they will use summer break to consider proposals. The workshop on charter school funding has been moved to May 23 due to Board Attorney Dye being out of town.

Board Comments

Mr. Kennedy thanked the Superintendent and team for all the good work and encouraged all to “finish strong.” He thanked his board colleagues for the tough conversations tonight. He clarified that the start time legislation, while not repealing the mandated start times, has provided for a way to address district needs.

Mr. Tatem pointed that traffic is getting nasty and don’t hurry. He said the McNeal speech contest he judged was excellent and communication is imperative for adult life, leadership and public speaking.

Ms. Felton shared that the Golden Herald Awards was fabulous and she saw some of her former students or their siblings. She announced she has completed visits to all of the schools in her district. She attended the Parrish Community High School ribbon cutting. She said she’s on the School Health Advisory Committee and they met this week to set goals and develop questions to go out to schools. She wished a happy 23rd birthday to her eldest child today.

Ms. Spray thanked Mr. Ranaldi for showing her the re-zoning program. She attended a fabulous Boys and Girls Club event and a Guardian ad Litem event with several staff. She said she is thrilled with the start of high school apprenticeship programs. She remarked about the wonderful things students that were recognized have done in this short time of their life.

Adjournment 9:23 PM

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Chair Choate deftly handled Ms. Spray’s request to pull an amendment from the Human Resources consent item. The hand off from Chair Choate to Vice Chair Spray was efficient. Other than allowing a discussion on an item that had no second, Ms. Spray handled her duties as chair well.

Board members should not need to be reminded that their responsibility is to follow School Board Policies and State Statutes and to see that there is adherence to these even when there are emotionally triggering issues brought to them. Ignoring due process or advocating for it not to be deployed is not good governance. Following the policies and statutes is doing the right thing. Board Members are cautioned to not show disdain for due process nor expressing impatience for awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Clear, concise, accurate and transparent communication between and among the school board, district staff, school staff, parents, and the community is imperative. There were two items on the agenda that brought up this importance: the discussion about the teacher resignation and communication with the parents, as well as explanations about providing retroactive pay to ASCME members.

Ms. Spray’s offer to mentor a student who is involved in a case with an ongoing investigation that could involve a board decision in the future was observed to be inappropriate.

Mr. Tatem’s commentary in denouncing the proclamations policy agenda item even though the policy had been workshopped, and despite his motion not receiving a second, unnecessarily added to an already long meeting.

Board Members were observed to ask helpful clarifying questions and demonstrated patience and respect throughout a very challenging meeting. A clear example was when Chair Choate asked Ms. Spray if he could dialogue with her.