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 Mr. Kennedy. After asking everyone to keep the people of Jamaica in their thoughts as the hurricane is hitting them, Mr. Kennedy read a poem entitled “Invocation,” by Everett Hoagland. The Braden River High School JROTC color guard presented the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
District Celebrations: Presented by Ms. Carson, Director of Communications
Celebrate Student Attendance Services (SAS) Team and Bradenton Kiwanis for donation to Samoset Elementary School.
A $10,000 gift was made to Samoset Elementary school to improve attendance by the Bradenton Kiwanis. Bradenton Kiwanis partners with 5 schools in the county. Mr. Chapman came to them and said Samoset is a gem in our community that needs all the support they can get to shine, and asked if there was anything they could do help them with attendance. Four people from the Bradenton Kiwanis said they were so proud to support the school and made the generous donations for “Showing Up Matters.”
Recognition for Constitution Essay Contest Winners:
Three Lakewood Ranch High School seniors were winners of the Constitution Essay competition with the theme, “What the Constitution Means to Me.” Mr. Hall their AP Government teacher was also recognized. The Rotary Club of Bradenton sponsored the competition and three members were there to recognize the students.
Celebrate and Honor SDMC Transportation Bus Drivers and Aides:
Seven transportation drivers and aides were recognized for their response to a misfortunate bus incident involving St. Lucie County district students who were leaving Lakewood Ranch after a competition. Manatee County bus drivers responded in the middle of the night to drive the St. Lucie students home. They did not get back here until very early in the morning. St Lucie County’s Superintendent wrote a sincere thank you note to the district for the drivers’ service to their students. Dr. Breslin awarded each of the drivers and aides with Superintendent coins to recognize their selfless service.
National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Presentation to Omar Edwards.
Annie Clark and her husband Ken, owners of the local National Life Group, presented a nomination of Mr. Omar Edwards for his service to the district and in the community. Mrs. Clark gave a summary of Mr. Edwards’ life of service. Mr. Edwards was educated in the county, attended Boys and Girls Club at age 6, played football at Southeast and earned a full football scholarship to Old Miss. He earned two bachelor’s degrees and after working for a while he earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He has been active helping students in every way. He volunteers at community events and a member of Rogers United Memorial Church. Mr. Edwards said he believes he is the person he is today due to his mother and grandmother who always told him to ‘treat people as you would like to be treated.’ Annie Clark nominated him for the national award of $20,000. She said she needs the community to write letters to support him so he can win the national award. The information for supporting Mr. Edwards’ nomination is posted on the district website and needs to be done by December 31. The $20,000 award will be split between the recipient and their school district.
Public Comments – There were three public comments.
RF– teaches financial literacy and math at Lakewood Ranch HS. She was there to speak about the mold and mildew in the school. She has been told by her doctor she cannot return to the school until it is remediated. She documented absences of 14 teachers she knows of who were sick from the mold. The contamination exceeds state levels. It was treated in June and is already back. Air conditioners are turned off every night, weekends and in the summer. This is contributing to the mold issues. Teachers have bought dehumidifiers on their own and empty gallons of water a day. She distributed photographs of petri dishes growing mold in her classroom.
JL – is a student at Lakewood Ranch HS speaking about the mold at the school. He personally has seen mold in every building. An East County Observer article in 2017 dismissed the problem as one that exists throughout Florida. People slip on the sweaty floors. This is a public health issue. Air is turned off at night, weekends, and all summer. Let’s be proactive and keep the air conditioners on. He said, “I have the right to an education without sacrificing my health.” He also commented on not wanting to have the district having to support millionaires who own schools which will be Schools of Hope.
MJ – is a Manatee County resident and said she wanted to talk about two issues: Schools of Hope and remediation of issues on current campuses. She spoke against schools being taken over by charter school corporations rent free and without paying costs. She said, “Mold is not just a maintenance issue. It is a symbol of what happens when leadership gives up on public education. When a district ignores safety, it creates the excuse for private companies to move in and call it progress.” She pointed out one item on the consent agenda does not have enough for remediation issues at our current schools. She said, “Please stop expansion and concentrate on the schools we have and keep these Schools of Hope out of the district.” She thanked them for all they do for the students and teachers of Manatee County.
Reports and Presentations
2025-2026 Instructional Materials Adoption Plan for Grades 6-12 World Languages – updated 10/24/2025
Mr. Jensen introduced Tiffany Spradley and Erin Chapman from the curriculum team. The curriculum adoption is driven by Florida statutes. Over 3,700 students are enrolled in Spanish and French courses. Mr. Tatem asked if only Spanish and French were taught. They indicated that Latin and American Sign Language are also taught. They outlined the process and timeline for the adoption of new materials. [Link to presentation:
https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3693744/World_Languages_Adoption_-_Board_Presentation_10-28.25.pdf
Consent Items: – Thirty-five items were approved 5-0
New Business (Non-Consent Items)
Approval of Certificate Resolution No. 2025-010 Authorizing Issuance of Certificates of Participation, Series 2026 A (the “Series 2026A Certificates” – Capital Funds)
Deputy Superintendent Sellers indicated this COPS is for HS AAA, Moody Elementary, and Lake Manatee additions. Approved 5-0.
Approval of Certificate Resolution No. 2025-012 Authorizing Issuance of Refunding Certificates of Participation, Series 2026B (the Series 2026B Certificates” – Capital Funds)
Refunding this 2016 COPS saves the district $9,000. Approved 5-0.
Approval of Resolution No. 2025-014 Authorizing the Series 2026 Amendment to Master-Lease Agreement.
Ms. Spray made assurances this had been thoroughly workshopped and briefed. Mr. Tatem reinforced his intention to continue advocating for bringing down the cost of building. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Budget Amendments for July and August, 2025
After Ms. Sellers described the chart streams over $1million, approved 5-0.
Approval to Renew Purchase of Stop Loss Insurance, SDMC No. 23-0095-RG, Not to Exceed $690,145 for the 2026 Calendar Year (Multiple Funding Sources)
The Health Insurance Committee recommended this for protection from large catastrophic claims. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Ratification of the Manatee Education Association (MEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement for the School District of Manatee County (Multiple Funding Sources)
Superintendent Breslin acknowledged the work of the MEA and District Team, tying their agreement to the Strategic Plan, for quality pay and benefits for staff. She thanked the whole team who worked on it. She indicated the salary schedule will go out upon approval and the November 14 pay check will reflect the retroactive pay to July 1. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the 2025-2026 Salary Schedules for Teacher Performance Hiring Salary Schedule, Para and MEA Salary Supplement Schedule, Grandfathered Teacher Salary Schedule, Hourly Non0Bargaining, SAMP, School Administrator (Multiple Funding Sources).
Dr. Breslin indicated this keep Manatee School District competitive with surrounding districts. Mr. Tatem indicated, movement of administrators due to rezoning should not impact salaries negatively. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the 2025-20226 Classroom Teacher and Other Instructional Personnel Salary Increase Allocation Plan (No Financial Impact)
Dr. Breslin explained this is a Florida Department of Education required plan that shows how the district sets funds aside for pay increases. Approved 5-0.
Approval of the Parrish Classical Preparatory Contract for the 2025-2032 School Years (No Net Financial Impact)
This new charter school will open as a K-7 school in 2027 in the Parrish area meeting state standards through a classical approach. Over the five years it plans to roll to a K-12 school. Approved 5-0.
Approval to Publish Draft of Redistricting Maps to District Website to District Website Following the October 31, 2025 Workshop
Dr. Breslin indicated that at the end of the October 31 workshop, the Board will indicate where they are leaning. Community feedback will be gathered at sessions at LWRHS, PCHS, BRHS November 18-20. If interest is shown by other school communities, more sessions could be added. Approved 5-0.
Recessed 10 minutes.
At 7:02, Chair Choate opened the meeting of the Manatee Leasing Corporation
New Business of the Manatee Leasing Corporation
Each of the next three resolutions were approved 5-0 and each relates to the first three “sister” resolutions under New Business (non-consent items).
Approval of Certificate Resolution No. 2025-011 Authorizing Issuance of Certificates of Participation, Series 2026 A (the “Series 2026A Certificates” – Capital Funds)
Approval of Certificate Resolution No. 2025-013 Authorizing Issuance of Refunding Certificates of Participation, Series 2026B (the Series 2026B Certificates” – Capital Funds)
Approval of Resolution No. 2025-015 Authorizing the Series 2026 Amendment to Master-Lease Agreement.
Approval of the Second Amendment to Lease Schedule No. 2023A and partial Release Relating to the School Board’s Certificates of Participation, Series 2023! (the “Series 2023A Certificates” – Capital Funds)
Approved 5-0.
At 7:03, Chair Choate adjourned the Manatee Leasing Corporation and reopened the General School Board Meeting.
New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)
Approval of Travel Expense Associated with the School Board Members’ and Superintendent Breslin’s Attendance at the FSBA-FADSS Annual Joint Conference, December 2-5 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, FL, Not to Exceed $8,000.00 (General Fund)
This is the annual combined meeting of the Florida School Board Association and the Florida Association of District Schools Superintendents. Approved 5-0.
Updates
Instruction: Mr. Jensen, Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, indicated schools are working hard. On November 10, elementary school students will attend middle and high schools’ musical performances to experience the arts and see what they can look forward to as they move out of elementary school. November 8 will be the STEM catapult competition. BRHS volley ball team is in the district playoffs. November’s required instructional topics are the holocaust and victims of communism. High school bands and JROTC units will participate in many community parades and events to commemorate Veterans Day. High school seniors are visiting USF Sarasota-Manatee campus as well as Manatee Technical College. On November 13, MTC will conduct its mass casualty scenario training. November 3-7 is Gifted Education Week and November also set aside to recognize National School Psychologists.
Operations: Mr. Willie Clark, Interim Deputy Superintendent for Operations, reported the outcome of the October 16 Operations Job Fair with 65 attending. Teacher and Para Job Fair will be November 18. District recruiters will also go to Florida Gulf Coast University on October 29 as well as other various community events. He announced that Open Enrollment for benefits starts October 29 and take effect on January 6, 2026. Benefits will automatically roll over if no changes are made, except for flexible spending. He said health care costs have increased 4%. Food and Nutrition held inservice for all cafeteria workers on October 13 on knife skills, serving and innovative ideas. During Bus Safety Week last week there were several fun but serious events promoting safe practices, including a “Road-Eo.” After the rezoning workshop on Friday, October 31, the maps will go out to the public. Mr. Clark thanked remediation services for their prompt responses. Mr. Kennedy referenced the public comments about turning off air conditioners on weekends and at night and Mr. Clark indicated that the units run on Sunday because a church rents the facility. He said issues are isolated and adjustments are made as needed. Mr. Tatem said that if keeping the air on constantly is what is needed, then this should be done even if shutting down saves on utilities.
Legal: Attorney Dye described the status of work on acquisitions for two future school sites. They closed on the Taylor Ranch property near DeSoto Speedway. The Jones Farm-Neal closing date has been extended with the doubling of size from 49 to 90 acres. He will bring within 30 days the amendment for approval by the board.
Superintendent Remarks
Dr. Breslin indicated Mr. Clark and his team are working on mold issues. She complimented the Literacy Summit and the Soar Lab, keeping literacy as the focus. She attended a USF event and encouraged parents to consider their programs when looking for 2026 summer camps for students. She acknowledged the ground breaking for the State College of Florida’s Parrish Campus. She stated there are ongoing examinations of energy costs and systems maintenance. She stressed the attendance campaigns and that “showing up matters everywhere.” She closed with Principals show up and that the School Improvement Plans were approved on the consent agenda.
Board Comments
Mr. Kennedy gave a shout out for another smooth meeting. He described joining Dr. Breslin at Rogers Gardens-Bullock Elementary for Unity Day and his visit and subsequent thank you for participating in an activity with Ms. Johnson’s class. He also gave a shout out to school psychologists and the work they do.
Mr. Tatem related that SCF’s President Tommy Gregory had a heart attack and survived. He stressed the importance of maintaining good heathy habits of exercise and nutrition to keep health issues from creeping up on you. He showed a slide of a woman in a wheel chair volunteering at Feeding Little Tummies to encourage everyone to find a place to volunteer. He said, “If she can do it, we can all do it.” He said the principal described attendance as the number one concern at Lincoln Middle School and told of students missing a week of school for a football tournament. He asked the community to ensure that education must come first. He again emphasized he would rather see utility bills increase than to have mold growing anywhere. He wants to be sure the school nurse who saved someone’s life in the parking lot at Lincoln is recognized.
Ms. Felton visited eleven schools last month and attended many school performances. She used her time to reinforce her effort to bring the issues of campus takeovers by Schools of Hope to the community’s attention. She is available to anyone or any media outlets to share her concerns. She said she is not speaking on behalf of the school board but as a school board member speaking on behalf of her constituents. She asked Manatee’s Legislative Delegates on October 27, if they are not willing or able to repeal the rule, that they give districts a grace period for a year as they do on other issues between rulemaking and implementation. The current rule gives them a month and a half. She sits on the FSBA Advocacy Committee and said Schools of Hope and full day VPK are their priorities. She offered to connect any community member to a Sarasota group who is working to address the Schools of Hope campus take over concerns. She stressed that school boards have no way to stop this, but the community can, by speaking up and getting involved.
Ms. Spray said she thoroughly enjoyed the USF tour and encouraged local students to tour the campus to see what going to a university is like. She did not go to the Literacy Summit but said she understands it was outstanding. She said when you go to schools you get “Youth-n-ized” and it makes us know we are working for kids. She announced that the high schools’ participation in the “Big Bank Theory” is coming and encouraged others to participate. She has enjoyed going to several football games.
Mr. Choate thanked staff for preparing for the meeting. He stated the district has been working on redistricting for months and is looking forward to public feedback. He said the visit to USF was awesome today, acknowledging the numbers of added programs over the years.
Adjournment – 7:48 p.m.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Observers often find it difficult to understand Ms. Spray. There have been improvements in this regard, but constant adjustments are needed to ensure she is understood. Perhaps pulling the mic toward her mouth when she speaks will help.
Mr. Tatem’s sensitivity to the possibility of decreasing school administrators’ pay with rezoning if their school decreases in population was appreciated.
When needing to convene the Manatee Leasing Corporation during a General School Board Meeting, it would be helpful to remind the public of exactly what their role is in that capacity prior to taking any action.
The three public commenters made arguments for the need for remediation to address health implications of mold at Lakewood Ranch High School. While the district staff seemed to indicate they were dealing with it, we commend Mr. Tatem and Mr. Kennedy for pressing district staff to do whatever it takes to correct the issue and report back their actions.
School Board Members’ and District Leaders’ visits to school campuses and attendance at school events are seen as exemplary practices that keep them informed and demonstrates to school personnel that they are seen and heard. We appreciate Ms. Spray acknowledging that the visits “Youth-n-ize” her and helps her know they are working for the students.
We commend Ms. Felton for her efforts to alert the community to concerns about Schools of Hope moving into district school facilities.
