Manatee County Dismisses Superintendent Despite Academic Progress

BRADENTON, Fla. — In an unexpected special meeting on Tuesday morning, the School Board of Manatee County voted 3-2 to terminate the contract of superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong. While there had been commendations regarding improvements in graduation rates and educational metrics, complaints about his poor communication ultimately led to his dismissal.

Board members Richard Tatem and Heather Felton were unaware of the meeting’s intent until its commencement. “I don’t know why we’re here,” Felton remarked. Board member Charlie Kennedy shared that he had previously met with Wysong, expressing concerns that led him to believe the superintendent’s tenure was nearing its end. However, he refrained from detailing specific complaints during their conversation.

Kennedy’s concerns dated back to Wysong’s hiring in 2023, though he was not yet on the board. He recalled feeling uneasy about the compensation package Wysong requested, which was eventually approved. Additionally, Kennedy criticized Wysong for seeming inattentive during a meeting with board candidates, stating that he “dozed off” on him twice.

He also felt disregarded when he shared concerns from a teacher, a personal friend, describing Wysong’s reaction as “kind of rude.” Furthermore, he noted a lack of response to multiple emails from both himself and community members, who reported not receiving replies from the superintendent.

Board Chair Chad Choate III, who had previously opposed Wysong’s hiring, echoed Kennedy’s sentiment about the superintendent’s leadership style. Tatem suggested giving Wysong another chance to address the noted communication issues before making a decision, likening it to “counseling before a divorce.” He defended Wysong’s performance based on glowing evaluations from the past year, highlighting improvements in community engagement and educational outcomes.

Tatem raised concerns that terminating Wysong could send negative ripples through the workforce, questioning, “What message does that send to the rest of the workforce if someone’s doing their job and doing it well?”

During the meeting, Wysong expressed his disappointment. He stated, “My preference is to continue serving as superintendent” and acknowledged that he regretted any missed communications. He emphasized that the educational progress in Manatee County during his leadership should not be overlooked.

Ultimately, the board voted to terminate Wysong’s contract without cause, with Kennedy, Choate, and Vice Chair Cindy Spray in favor, while Tatem and Felton opposed the decision. As the district prepares for the search for a new superintendent, Kevin Chapman has been appointed as interim superintendent.