Qualified Candidates for School Board Encouraged to Apply in District 5.
Manatee County School Board District 5, which roughly goes from Lockwood Ridge Rd east to the county line and from State Route 64 south to University Parkway, will shortly have a school board position opening, but if one wishes to run for this position, one must act quickly, timely and pay the filing fee.
Richard Tatem is the current District 5 school board member and his term runs until 2026. Because Mr. Tatem has announced he is running for Florida state representative district 72, however, by Florida state law, he must submit his resignation at least 10 days before the candidate qualifying period begins, which this year is on June 10. When his resignation is submitted on/before May 31, others can file to run for that position if they fulfill all the necessary steps such as opening a bank account, and paying the filing fee, etc.
Interested? Start Now! To apply to become a candidate:
- Apply to be a candidate for the 2026 School Board District at the Supervisor of Elections Office.
- Complete the steps necessary to qualify such as open a bank account, etc. For assistance, contact your party, the Manatee Supervisor of Elections office, or the League of Women Voters of Manatee County.
- Determine if Mr. Tatem did tender his resignation letter to the state. This he must do by May 31 or withdraw from the Florida Representative District 72 candidacy.
- If Mr. Tatem did withdraw, return to the Supervisor of Elections office and request to have your application moved to the 2024 elections, and complete all other requirements before June 10!
Background
