Following are the major points from the School Board Meeting on May 12, 2026.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Spray. Mr. Kennedy read the District’s Vision Statement and invited everyone for a moment of silence to start the meeting. To lead the Pledge of Allegiance, Dr. Breslin introduced Shelly Shomper, US Army veteran and Manager of Administration and Services in the district’s Walter Miller Building. Ms. Shomper was presented a flag that flew over the US Capitol.
Recognitions
30-Year Recognition of School District Employees
Omar Edwards, Associate Director of Strategic Planning, introduced four of the district employees reaching at least 30 years of service to the district: Loretha Armstrong with 40 years; and with 30 years each are Tracey Swart, Elisabeth Rankin, and Andrew Gugliemini, Jr.
School District of Manatee County Recognized by the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association
Jamie Carson, Director of Communications, described the award Lisa Taylor, Community Outreach and Special Events Specialist, applied for and won for the district from a field of 80 entries statewide. The recognition was for the groundbreaking STEM-CHOICE Showcase held earlier this year. The school choice campaign was led by Jamara Clark who introduced his team including Alicia Carrillo, Liliana Sandelis, and Maria Davies.
School Board Vice-Chair Richard Tatem Recognized by Florida School Board Association
Mr. Tatem was acknowledged by the FSBA as a 2025 Distinguished Leader for exemplary leadership and integrity in government.
School Board Member Heather Felton Recognized by Florida School Boards Association
Ms. Felton was acknowledged as FSBA’s newest certified School Board Member having completed 96 hours of training in topics such as school finance, policy, and bargaining.
Public Comment – None
Reports and Presentations
Food and Nutrition Services Department Update – updated 5/8/2026
Regina Thoma, Executive Director of School Support Services, also continuing to serve as Director of Food and Nutrition Services Department, and Skye Grundy, Supervisor of Student Nutrition, described their results for the 2025-2026 school year and introduced the 15 district staff members. Their mission is to provide high quality meals and excellent customer service to support student success. They described funding for this program that uses no district funds as well as the various USDA programs in which the district participates. Annually they serve 8,800,000 meals with 60 cafeteria managers and assistant managers, and 280 food service workers. They engage in learning experiences with students through cooking lessons, school/classroom gardens, science and kitchen lessons, and snack and story time when cafeteria staff read to students. They are gearing up for their Summer Meal Program and anticipate serving 200,000 meals at 74 sites across the county at school and organization sites as well as four mobile units. The new director, Anthony Anastasas, with experience in Pinellas County, will begin employment June 1. November 2026 will begin the USDA School Meals Administrative Review.
Mr. Tatem asked questions about the amount of bureaucracy and red tape involved in the federally funded program. Mr. Choate asked if the program can purchase the student’s steers at the fair. The answer was no. Ms. Spray asked if purchases can be made from local or Florida farms and was told that this does occur. Ms. Felton acknowledged the juggling act of staying within budget and providing the best products.
Class of 2026 Senior Stats and Accolades – updated 5/8/2026
Sharon Scarborough, Executive Director of Secondary Schools, and Evan McCarthy, Executive Director of Assessment highlighted information about the Class of 2026 in preparation for next week’s six nights of graduation celebrations. The School Board Members will attend all seven graduation ceremonies and shake hands with 3,300 students, 54% of whom went through K-12 in Manatee County, hail from 48 different states and 57 different countries, and have 44 different home languages. The group of students has accumulated 125,000 service hours.
Meeting of the Leasing Corporation
Chair Spray gaveled out of the general meeting and into the Leasing Corporation meeting. The School Board serves as the Leasing Corporation. The Chair serves as the Leasing Corporation President, the Vice-Chair serves as the Vice President, and the Superintendent serves as the Secretary-Treasurer.
Approval of Consent and Joinder by Manatee School Board Leasing Corporation for Permanent Utilities Easement Veterans Elementary School (No Financial Impact) Approved 5-0.
Consent Items – 37 items approved 5-0.
New Business (Non-Consent Items)
Approval of the Budget Amendments for March 2026 (No Financial Impact)
After Deputy Superintendent Sellers summarized the amendments, Board approved 5-0.
Approval of Membership to Join Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT), SDMC No. 26-0120-KD (Health Insurance Fund)
Dr. Christina Britton, Executive Director of Human Resources, indicated this was a request to apply for membership in a consortium of other school districts to effect employee health benefits and drive costs down with the power of numbers. Any changes for employees will go through contract negotiations. Mr. Kennedy was assured the Health Committee will weigh in on the process. Ms. Felton expressed interest in seeing how this impact would compare with the current health contracts. Approved 5-0.
New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)
Naming Nomination for R. Dan Nolan Middle School Cafetorium – Jeffers Dining Hall
Assistant Principal Gage from Nolan Middle School recounted the impact of Scott Jeffers on Nolan Middle School. He will be commemorated with a portrait and plaque on the cafeteria wall. Approved 5-0.
Updates:
Instruction: Deputy Superintendent Jensen recounted the many State Champions and top places in high school track and field and weightlifting at the various high schools. State testing is winding down and data are rolling in. He highlighted the district’s leadership program for Assistant Principals and aspiring leaders. He wished everyone a restful summer. Summer programs begin June 1.
Operations: Mr. Clark reported two upcoming Job Fairs: virtual event for teachers and paras on June 4, 9-11 a.m.; Operations’ fair will be held at Wakeland on June 25 from 9-noon. He reminded employees that the $200 incentive for participating in Well U’s screenings and challenges is still available. He announced an opportunity to enhance well-being through the Employee Assistance Program’s Attitude to Gratitude program. He commended the Food and Nutrition presentation given this evening. The transportation bus “Wave Off” will be on Thursday at noon.
Legal: Mr. Dye acknowledged that he is standing in for the district’s general counsel until a replacement is appointed and has reviewed contracts. Two parcels near Myakka School are closing soon.
Superintendent Remarks: Dr. Breslin reviewed several of the consent items, acknowledging an increase in school lunch prices. She highlighted the plane and helicopter engines purchased for MTC’s aviation program which will begin with the 2026-2027 school year. She described organizations supporting aviation and that she had an opportunity to see the new MTC hangar at the airport. In response to Mr. Kennedy’s earlier question if any seniors had perfect attendance, she was able to report that Palmetto and Manatee High Schools each have a student that had perfect attendance while in high school. She spoke at the Take Stock in Children’s graduation event at Mote Marine with the senior students and their mentors.
Board Comments
Mr. Kennedy thanked the leadership team for their thorough briefings and looks forward to graduations starting on Monday night at LECOM stadium.
Ms. Felton recapped the awards assemblies and concerts she has attended, noting the Lakewood Ranch High School graduate who plays in the President’s Band and joined the concert at his alma mater. She also attended the Take Stock graduation celebration. She’s looking forward to graduation and there are still a few students that she taught whose hands she will shake.
Mr. Choate thanked staff and teachers who have worked for the district for 30 and more years. He acknowledged what teachers do to change kids’ lives and is grateful.
Ms. Spray spoke at the Palmetto High School JROTC ceremony. She thanked transportation for their work throughout the year and enjoyed being with them on the bus that participated in the recent parade, tossing beads and candy to the audience along the way. She acknowledged the passion and dedication of the bus aide who served for 40 years. She attended the ribbon cutting at Washington Park, the IB pinning at Southeast High School, as well as awards assemblies. She expressed appreciation for everything the staff has done and thanked the Superintendent.
Mr. Tatem indicated there was an Air Force Academy appointment at Lakewood Ranch High School and told the story of the Gruter brothers. Terry was a pilot during the Viet Nam War and was shot down in 1967 and a POW. His younger brother, Guy, attended the Air Force Academy and vowed to bring his brother home and did. When he asked Terry if he would change anything, he was told no. Mr. Tatem indicated his point to the story was that suffering with dignity, with honor and character intact, leads to finding meaning in life.
Adjournment: 7:57 p.m.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
On several occasions during the meeting, throat or sinus clearing was evident. Please turn your mic away when not speaking.
Being able to add links in the LWV notes to the presentations is another way to share important information with the community. Currently the links are expired. We question if there is a reason for this change. It would be helpful to return to the ability to add links.
We recommend that Board Members make note of questions they have during presentations to see if the presenter covers the question, so as not to interrupt the flow of a well organized and thoroughly planned report.
The recognition from FSBA of Mr. Tatem’s leadership efforts and Ms. Felton’s development of her knowledge and skills through board member training serve as an example of good governance for current and future board members to aspire to.
We commend the recognition of employees attaining the 30- and 40-year employment anniversary.
