Manatee School Board's Controversial Ruling on Wilhoit's Misconduct

Manatee School Board's Controversial Ruling on Wilhoit's Misconduct

The education landscape in Manatee County continues to evolve, particularly amidst recent developments concerning the local School Board. A special meeting convened on August 15, 2025, called to order by Chair Chad Choate, explored serious issues surrounding employee conduct and governance. The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee, dedicated to observing these meetings to ensure compliance with governance and sunshine laws, provided valuable insights into the turnout of this crucial discussion. The agenda was approved unanimously by the Board, setting the stage for a weighty deliberation.

At the heart of the meeting was a disciplinary hearing regarding Verlin Wilhoit, an employee facing termination for misconduct. An Administrative Complaint had been filed against Wilhoit on December 20, 2024, prompting his request for a hearing that took place on July 7, 2025. The decision from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) upheld the recommendation for his termination, a move that the Board had to reflect upon while considering Wilhoit’s subsequent exceptions.

Board Discussions and Recommendations

Notably, Wilhoit chose not to appear at the meeting, nor was there any representative from the School District present to advocate during this significant moment. Superintendent Chapman stepped in with a modified penalty proposal: a 20-day suspension without pay, a one-year performance contract dependent on future conduct, reassignment to a non-supervisory role, and the completion of six hours of HR-approved training.

Discussions were spirited among Board members regarding this recommendation. Mr. Tatem and Ms. Felton were vocal in their opposition to the proposal, pointing to Wilhoit’s prior history of misconduct and expressed lack of remorse. On the flip side, Mr. Kennedy found merit in the modified order, perceiving it as a fair penalty considering the circumstances. Ms. Spray echoed this sentiment, calling for empathy and consideration of all perspectives. In the end, the Board voted 3-2 in favor of accepting the modified order, with Choate, Spray, and Kennedy supporting the measure.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter, but it left lingering questions among observers. Concerns were raised about the short notice provided for the meeting and the overall ethics in handling sensitive cases like this one. There were also inquiries about the potential repercussions for current employees and whether Wilhoit might have contact with students moving forward. Such questions underline the complexity and weight of these decisions that impact not just the individuals involved, but the wider school community.

Meanwhile, as the local education landscape grapples with these governance issues, students continue to thrive in unique educational environments. For instance, Schola, a homeschool program centered around Christian values, has been noted for its positive impact on various families. Stories highlight students like R.C., who has flourished through four years in the program, emphasizing personal growth alongside academic achievement.Schola and its dedicated teachers have garnered praise from parents and students alike. From significant ACT score increases to the nurturing environment cultivated by educators, Schola stands out as a beacon of quality education amid changing times.

As Manatee County navigates the complexities of school board governance and disciplinary actions, one thing remains clear: the community’s commitment to fostering an educational environment that cultivates both academic excellence and character development is unwavering. The decisions made today will indeed shape the future, and balancing accountability with compassion is crucial in this ongoing journey.