Manatee Officials to Prepare for Superintendent Recruitment

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Manatee County School Board is poised to take significant steps in its quest for the district’s next superintendent during a meeting on Tuesday.

The board intends to select a consulting firm to aid in the search and establish a timeline for the process.

Charlie Kennedy, representing District 3, indicates their goal is to have a new superintendent appointed and under contract by the start of school on Aug. 11.

Kennedy emphasizes the importance of securing the best candidate for the role.

“It would be ideal to have someone in place by the start of the year, ensuring a fresh leadership initiative,” he stated. “However, the priority is to get it right.”

This timeframe is described as “compressed,” especially compared to the previous search process that led to the appointment of Dr. Jason Wysong, which spanned seven to eight months.

Dr. Wysong held the position for nearly two school years before the board’s decision to terminate his contract in May.

Despite this termination, Wysong’s agreement allows him to remain employed until mid-August as an “Administrative Transitional Consultant.”

Manatee County has a complicated history with superintendent appointments over the last 12 years, with both Rick Mills and Diana Greene serving briefly between 2013 and 2018. In 2018, the board opted against a nationwide search, appointing Deputy Superintendent Cynthia Saunders instead. She faced allegations of inflating graduation rates shortly after her tenure began.

After Saunders announced her retirement in 2022, the district initiated a thorough search once again.

Kennedy states that it’s essential for the new superintendent to have experience in Florida’s educational landscape, though experience specific to the Manatee County School District is not mandatory.

“Navigating the education framework in Florida can be challenging due to financial and legislative changes, along with ongoing cultural debates,” he explained. “We need someone equipped to manage these issues. I aim to keep an open mind and encourage a broad search.”

At least three consulting firms have submitted proposals to lead the superintendent search.