Manatee County School Board Launches Urgent Search for New Superintendent

Bradenton, Florida, USA - The Manatee County School Board is ramping up efforts to fill the superintendent position following the sudden firing of Jason Wysong on May 20, a decision that raised eyebrows among parents and community members alike. The board’s 4-1 vote to remove Wysong has not only spurred an immediate search for his replacement but also ignited discussions about governance and public trust within the education system.

Beginning the hiring process, the board has devised a meticulous 10-week timeline aimed at selecting a new superintendent. Applications will be accepted from July 10 to August 2, with interviews and public forums scheduled for the week of August 19. A final decision is set to be announced on August 27, making it crucial for the board to act swiftly and effectively to regain community confidence.

Setting the Stage for a New Era

The plan for selecting the new superintendent includes critical workshops, with the board convening on June 25 to finalize job qualifications and search criteria. In a noteworthy move, the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) will assist in this process, alongside experienced consultant Bill Vogel, who has previously led superintendent searches in both Manatee and Sarasota County. This collaboration aims to ensure that the board finds a highly qualified candidate suited to lead the district forward.

Prior to his termination, Wysong’s contract was scheduled to run through June 2026, earning an annual salary of $235,000. His evaluation, which is anticipated to be a point of heated discussion, is slated for public review next month. Concerns over the lack of a publicly stated cause for his firing have left many parents feeling unsettled and questioning the board’s transparency, especially in light of recent incidents involving allegations against school staff.

Timeline of the Search Process

The board’s timeline lays out critical dates and milestones to keep the process on track. Key dates include:

• June 16: Advertisement process begins; promotional website established.
• July 16: Application period closes at 11:59 p.m.; submissions made public.
• July 29: Board identifies semifinalists for consideration.
• August 12: Finalists selected for interviews.
• August 18-19: Interviews and community meet-and-greet events.
• August 26: Final selection of new superintendent; contract negotiations initiated.
• September 9: Contract finalization.

The FSBA stresses that effective superintendent searches hinge on thorough planning and alignment with district goals. The board will maintain ultimate authority over the selection process while benefiting from FSBA’s logistical support, ensuring a well-organized approach to finding a new leader for Manatee County schools.

As the school board embarks on this pivotal journey, the engagement of the community remains paramount. Input from parents and educators during this search will be necessary to ensure that the chosen candidate not only meets the qualifications but resonates with the values and vision of the district. With concerns about governance lingering in the air, there is much at stake in the coming months.

For more information on the search process or to view the timeline and submit applications, visit the websites of the Herald Tribune and My Suncoast, or contact the FSBA directly for guidance.