School Board Approves Continued Use of Substitute-Teacher Contract amid Background-check Concerns

The School Board of Manatee County voted 5-0 on Oct. 7 to continue using a Duval County contract for substitute-teacher employment services, an agreement estimated at $5,225,000 annually.

The decision followed public comment and an extended board discussion prompted by a recent arrest of an individual who had worked as a substitute in Manatee County after being hired through the contractor. Several residents urged the board to strengthen screening and oversight of substitute workers and to reconsider the contract.

Martha Jacobs, a full-time Manatee County resident who addressed the board during public comment, asked the board to reject the travel-expense item and also criticized using taxpayer funds for partisan trips. On the substitute issue she told the board: “I ask all board members to vote no when agenda item 14.1 is presented.” (Public comment related to a different agenda item; her remarks reflected overall community concern about district spending and accountability.)

Martin Hyde, a resident,…