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School Board of Manatee County hires Lori Breslin as next superintendent after monthslong search
Summary
The School Board of Manatee County voted 5-0 to offer the superintendent post to Dr. Lori Breslin and authorized the board chair and district attorney to begin contract negotiations following a public search and interviews of two finalists.
The School Board of Manatee County on Aug. 26 voted unanimously to offer the position of superintendent to Dr. Lori Breslin and authorized contract negotiations, starting the process to replace outgoing leadership.
The board approved a motion by board member Bray to offer the position to Dr. Lori Breslin and to “authorize contract negotiations to begin and [be] led by our chair and attorney Dye,” a motion seconded by board member Felton and approved 5 to 0.
The vote ends a public search that began in mid-June, produced 15 applicants from 11 states and four semifinalists, and concluded with two finalists who participated in a public meet-and-greet at Manatee Technical College on Aug. 18. Board members said they had received multiple rounds of public input through online surveys and in-person events that were shared with all members before the decision.
Board members thanked the Florida School Boards Association, district staff and community partners for supporting the search process. Several members told the board they had judged both finalists highly but favored Breslin because she is a long-time Manatee County educator and would be positioned to move quickly into the role.
Dr. Breslin addressed board members and the public after the vote. “This is my home. It will forever be my home,” she said, and pledged to “build on our success” and begin work immediately. She also thanked interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman and said she would report for work the following day.
The board took the following formal action: it authorized the board chair and the district’s attorney to begin contract negotiations with Dr. Breslin; the district said it expects a finalized employment contract to be presented to the board for approval in a subsequent meeting.
What happened next: the board recessed briefly to bring Dr. Breslin into the chambers so she could speak to attendees. Board members offered congratulations in the chamber and in brief comments after the vote.
Why it matters: the superintendent will lead the district that serves about 52,000 students and more than 6,000 employees. Board members said continuity, local knowledge and an ability to “hit the ground running” were decisive factors for many members when choosing between two well‑qualified finalists.
Process recap: the school district named Kevin Chapman interim superintendent in May 2025; FSBA served as search consultant; advertisements ran June 16–July 16; 15 applications were received, four semifinalists were announced July 29, two finalists were interviewed by the full board on Aug. 1 and again in 1:1 sessions, and public feedback was collected at multiple points.
The board did not finalize or approve Dr. Breslin’s contract at the Aug. 26 meeting; the motion approved contract negotiations only. The board’s vote on any final employment contract will appear on a future meeting agenda.
