New Superintendent Named: Dr. Laurie Breslin's Vision for Manatee Schools

New Superintendent Named: Dr. Laurie Breslin's Vision for Manatee Schools

The Manatee County School Board gathered on August 26, 2025, for a pivotal meeting that not only addressed routine district matters but also marked a significant milestone in the selection of a new superintendent. This meeting, called to order by Chair Choate at 5:31 p.m., unfolded against the backdrop of an extensive search process, with implications for over 52,000 students and 6,000 staff members across the district. According to The Bradenton Times, the session began with an invocation by Robert Bledsoe from Trinity Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Throughout the meeting, various achievements were celebrated. Ms. Jamie Carson took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the Bradenton Marauders for hosting a successful „Back to School Bash,“ where 1,000 backpacks were distributed to local students. Additionally, Craig Warzescha, the Marauders‘ CEO of Marketing, received recognition from Superintendent Chapman, while several Career and Technical Education students were acknowledged as National Champions, showing off local talent on a grand scale.

Superintendent Selection Process

As the board delved into the primary agenda item—the selection of a new superintendent—discussions turned toward the process that had begun back in May 2025 with Kevin Chapman stepping in as interim superintendent. The board emphasized the importance of community involvement in this decision, a sentiment echoed by Citizen Portal. They utilized online surveys and hosted a community meet-and-greet event that attracted around 150 attendees, fostering a collaborative atmosphere in the decision-making process.

During the meeting, Chair Choate outlined three key steps in the selection process: reviewing candidates, board discussions, and ultimately voting. Board member Ms. Felton expressed her support for Dr. Laurie Breslin, citing her familiarity with the district, while other members like Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Tatem echoed similar sentiments. Ms. Spray utilized a scoring system to evaluate the candidates and also showed preference for Dr. Breslin. The board’s unanimous vote of 5-0 for Dr. Breslin underlines the collective confidence in her capabilities, pending contract negotiations.

Commitment to Transparency

The commitment to community engagement and transparency has been a hallmark of the entire superintendent search process. Board members recognized the significance of thoughtful deliberation in narrowing down candidates, ensuring that each finalist received fair consideration. This dedication to local governance is crucial, as NSBA highlights the essential role school boards play in representing community values and the educational aspirations of local families.

At the meeting, discussions also touched on other important issues such as safety, early literacy initiatives, and the decreasing retention rates in third grades, which have dropped from 14% in 2024 to 11% in 2025. Consent items were approved in unison, although a proposed revision to merge the Audit Committee with the Citizens’ Financial Oversight Committee sparked debate but did not reach a vote.

In conclusion, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m., marking a significant step forward for the district. The forthcoming months will undoubtedly be important as Dr. Laurie Breslin takes the helm, promising to influence the educational landscape in Manatee County positively. All eyes are on this decision, and, as always, community members are encouraged to stay engaged and informed, for, after all, education is not just a priority; it is the life-blood of the community.