At the January 24, 2025, workshop of the Manatee County School Board, Member Richard Tatem proposed abolishing the Board’s practice of issuing proclamations. Historically, the School Board has issued proclamations highlighting topics such as Teacher Appreciation Week, Black History Month and Red Ribbon Week. Mr. Tatem cited his concern for potential politicization of proclamations and was worried about impacts if the Board, now or in the future, is not unanimous in their support.
Mr. Tatem expressed concern that he might not agree with a proclamation the majority supports, and would therefore trigger a discussion, something he wished to avoid. He was also concerned that the Board may approve a proclamation one member does not support, and that decision would represent the entire Board. He suggested that proclamations be put on hold until policy is reviewed. There was no Board Bylaw at that time in regard to proclamations.
Other Board members recognized the concern for politicization, but there was not a consensus for abolishment or required unanimity. The discussion revealed that there have never been any complaints about the proclamations issued by the Manatee County School Board. All members wished to consider the topic further, asking the Board Attorney, Mr. Dye, and Superintendent Wysong to work with them on policy and agenda placement. Attorney Dye recommended the Superintendent refrain from advancing any proclamations during the process.
However, at their February 11, 2025, regular School Board meeting, Mr. Kennedy read the Black History Month 2025 Proclamation. In an agenda item, the Board also voted 5-0 to approve advertising a notice of intent to amend and approve new policies and set a public hearing on March 11, 2025. This group of policies includes an amendment to Board Bylaw 0149.1 that read, “The School Board of Manatee County does not consider or adopt proclamations on agendas of meetings and workshops.” A representative from the LWV MC Education Issues Action Team made a public comment in support of proclamations.
During the February 14, 2025 Board workshop regarding policies to be heard on March 11, a one-hour discussion ensued about the proposed amendment to Board Bylaw 0149.1. The new language also stated that Board members could make statements during his/her respective comment time. The positions taken during the workshop mirrored those expressed during the January 24th meeting. All members respectfully acknowledged Mr. Tatem’s concern for politicization, but it was again pointed out that the proclamations made by this Board had never delved into politics. Ms. Felton indicated that the proclamations made by the Board were those that are supported by the federal or state government, such as Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month. Ms. Spray and Mr. Choate expressed their support for proclamations that were in support of education on topics sanctioned by federal and state statutes. Mr. Kennedy remained focused on the policy itself, reiterating that the vote should require a simple majority, not a super majority or unanimity as Mr. Tatem proposed. Mr. Choate suggested that the policy should address who can suggest proclamations, how soon in advance they must be proposed, that the proclamations must align with state and federal laws and statutes and be approved by a majority of the Board.
The League of Women Voters Manatee Chapter strongly supported the continued issuance of proclamations. During the February 14 workshop’s public comment period, the LWV MC representative made a three-minute comment endorsing proclamations. No individual or group spoke in favor of abolishing proclamations.
District staff indicated that the proposed changes to the amendment were substantial and would require a re-writing and re-posting and therefore consideration for changes to Board Bylaw 0149.1 was withdrawn.
A newly revised Board Bylaw 0149.1 was proposed for school board consideration with the amendment as follows, “Board Proclamations. The Board may consider proclamations aligned to academic standards or required instruction topics identified in Florida law or Florida State Board of Education administrative rules. Proclamations must be submitted to the Communications Department no later than 28 days prior to the regular board meeting that the requesting party wishes to have same considered. Requested proclamations will be considered for a Board agenda in accordance with School Board Bylaw 0165.1.”
After the required notice period and a public hearing with no public comments made, this proposed revision to Board Bylaw 0149.1 was on the board’s agenda for April 29, 2025. Prior to the vote, Mr. Tatem made a motion to again amend the policy so there would be no proclamations. There was no second to his motion. Nevertheless, he reiterated again that his objections to proclamations because he feels they could easily be politicized. The other board members responded that the revision addressed his concerns and voted 3-1 in favor of the adopting the amended Board Bylaw 0149.1.
In support of proclamations, the League of Women Voters of Manatee County sent their support via email to the board members prior to the February 11, 2025 Board Meeting and made public comments at both the February 11 Board meeting and the February 14 Workshop. These comments were drawn from the following statements authored by LWVMC.
The League of Women Voters Manatee County supports Board proclamations. We believe the positive impact of proclamations is multifold, and their reach goes beyond their reading at meetings; they are a way to inform Manatee County citizens of happenings in the district and engage them.
Firstly, this Board can and should be proud of the district’s accomplishments in various areas, including professional development and achievement, as well as successes in academics, arts, and sports. Proclamations acknowledging Principals’ Month and Career and Technical Education Month, for example, recognize the dedication and countless hours of work put in by staff, faculty and students, and show the Board’s appreciation for these efforts in a more formalized manner than a “shout out” from the dais.
Secondly, Board proclamations can advance district policies and promote community engagement. For example, they can create momentum for policies that support students, such as protections against bullying and harassment. They can also involve all citizens and taxpayers, including those who do not have children in the school system, by encouraging community participation in school activities such as Red Ribbon Week and Farm City Week.
Thirdly, proclamations from this Board can raise awareness and support a sense of belonging among faculty, staff, and students, thereby creating the optimal environment for learning. Proclamations like Holocaust History Week and Black History Month acknowledge important aspects of history, breaking down barriers caused by lack of knowledge. Other kinds of proclamations can bring the public’s attention to the existence and needs of groups, such as students and employees with disabilities. In each of these cases, proclamations inform the public about past and current topics relevant to Manatee County Schools, which is fully in keeping with the District’s purpose: Education.
The League is resolutely opposed to a requirement of unanimity to approve proclamations. Such a requirement would be a stark outlier in practices of a representative democracy. In no other cause at the local, state, or federal level is unanimity required, not even for a declaration of war. One person should not have the power to stop a proclamation. Likewise, a requirement for a supermajority would be overkill, as this is generally reserved for consequential actions such as veto overrides at the state and federal level.
Regarding discussions of proclamations, the League would like to remind members that, as their constituents, we deserve to hear why our elected representatives agree or disagree with topics, especially ones deemed potentially sensitive.
It is true that a decision made by a majority vote represents the entire Board; but that is the nature of serving on a Board, whether it be governmental, non-profit, or private sector. If a board member feels so strongly a proclamation should not be approved, he/she should voice specifics as to why. It would then be on record indicating why that board member did not support it. If it passes without that board member’s point of view it would only show as a dissenting vote. Once a majority decision of the school board has been made, it is best practice to achieve good governance for all school board members to support the decision of the board whether or not they personally voted for the measure.
The League supports the Manatee County School Board in their decision to approve Board Bylaw 0149.1. Through doing so, Manatee County School District will continue celebrating achievement and educating the public via the use of proclamations.
