Manatee County School Board to Decide on New Superintendent Today Afternoon

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla — Families in Manatee County are eagerly awaiting the selection of a new superintendent for the school district.

Tampa Bay 28 has amplified community voices and concerns since earlier this year when the board questioned the former superintendent’s effectiveness, ultimately terminating his contract without cause.

Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis are the leading candidates. Breslin, an internal candidate, currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Support and Family Engagement, while Mathis, an external candidate, is the Executive Director of Curriculum in Nassau County since 2021, a role akin to an assistant superintendent.

WATCH: Manatee County school board to vote on new superintendent this afternoon

Board to vote on new Manatee County Schools Superintendent

To understand the current situation, we can revisit key events from 2023. Dr. Jason Wysong was originally chosen as superintendent to lead the district until at least the summer of 2026. However, the board unexpectedly terminated his contract earlier this year, with some members voicing concerns about his fit for the role.

“Communication problems began to manifest, things like sending the superintendent emails which received no response,” said Charlie Kennedy from District 3.

Contrastingly, some board members backed Wysong. “I still have absolute trust in what he’s doing because I see his integrity and his heart,” expressed Heather Felton from District 1.

In the end, the board voted 3 to 2 to end his contract, catching many in the community off guard.

“I am really heartbroken. He didn’t deserve this,” lamented community member Barbara Ehren.

The search for a new superintendent began a month later, during which Kevin Chapman assumed the role of interim superintendent. Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Wendy Ryan interviewed him about the unanimous decision to appoint him.

“It’s an honor, and I’m humbled by it. To work for such a great school district and community in Manatee County is really a job of a lifetime,” Chapman said. He highlighted an increase in enrollment this year, which has surpassed 55,000 students, necessitating the opening of two new schools.

Pivotal changes for the current school year, according to Chapman, include a new statewide law banning cell phone use in classrooms for grades K through 8, which will require adjustments for both students and teachers.

As the new school year progresses, the board is set to select the next superintendent this evening. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., and this decision is item number 9.1 on the agenda. Several opportunities for community feedback have led to this moment, including a meet-and-greet with the candidates on August 18.

Once a candidate is chosen, contract negotiations will commence, aiming for a final contract approval by September 9.

Key Information

• Manatee County families are awaiting a new school district superintendent.
• Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis are the final candidates for the position.
• The previous superintendent, Dr. Jason Wysong, was terminated unexpectedly in a 3-2 board vote.
• Kevin Chapman is currently serving as interim superintendent.
• A vote on the new superintendent is scheduled for today at 5:30 p.m.
• Final contract approval for the selected candidate is expected by September 9.