School Board approves budget amendments, calendar and multiple contracts in 5-0 votes

The School Board of Manatee County on May 20 approved a package of administrative and fiscal items in a series of unanimous 5–0 votes, including March budget amendments, revisions to several instructional job descriptions, the 2026–27 academic calendar, a small increase in student and adult meal prices, and contracts for cybersecurity testing and internal auditing.

The board’s actions began with routine approvals: the agenda and minutes were adopted by roll call early in the meeting. The School Board Leasing Corporation, a nonprofit whose membership is the board, approved a permanent utilities easement for Blackburn Elementary School before the board returned to regular session and moved the consent agenda.

The board approved 672 budget amendments for March 2025 affecting more than 2,900 chart strings, including adjustments to general-fund revenues (state discretionary programs and voted millage), reductions to charter school proportionate share, and reclassifications within capital projects and certificates of participation. Director of Finance explained several transfers and program reclassifications tied to capital projects and PECO construction.

The board also approved revisions to instructional-division job descriptions. Deputy Superintendent Jensen told the board the changes mainly reflect reorganized reporting lines and updated job goals. The degree requirement for several specialist positions was reduced from a master’s degree to a bachelor’s degree so incumbents who hold master’s degrees remain eligible for supplements; the revisions do not change the salary schedules.

On personnel and calendar matters, the board approved the 2026–27 academic calendar after staff reported a 30‑day public comment period that produced about 300 responses; roughly two-thirds favored the chosen option. Board members discussed expanding future outreach to school-level newsletters and principal communications.

Food and Nutrition presented a proposal to raise student and adult meal prices for 2025–26; the board approved the increase. Director of Food and Nutrition said moderating food costs were offset by hurricane-related expenses (about $1.5 million in costs this year, much of which is lost revenue from missed school days) and rising labor and maintenance costs.

The board approved two contracts described to the public: a vulnerability and security-testing services agreement with Crowe LLP (formerly Silent) not to exceed $82,680, and an internal-audit services statement of work with RSM estimated up to $340,000. Board members noted the cybersecurity services fall under a technology exemption or are handled via direct negotiation because of the specialized qualifications required.

Other formal actions included approval of travel expenditures (FSBA/FAD joint conference, not to exceed $3,500), consent items, and a motion authorizing up to $10,000 over three months for professional coaching or consulting for Interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman; the motion passed 5–0.

Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda amendments — outcome: approved (5–0) - Approval of minutes (listed meetings) — approved (5–0) - School Board Leasing Corporation: permanent utilities easement, Blackburn Elementary — approved (5–0) - Consent agenda — approved (5–0) - Budget amendments for March 2025 (672 amendments; >2,900 chart strings) — approved (5–0) [kind: budget_amendment] - Revisions to instructional job descriptions (degree requirement change for specialists) — approved (5–0) - 2026–27 academic calendar (option A selected after public input) — approved (5–0) - Student and adult meal price increase for 2025–26 — approved (5–0) - Travel to FSBA/FAD annual conference (not to exceed $3,500) — approved (5–0) - Purchase: security and vulnerability testing services from Crowe LLP (not to exceed $82,680) — approved (5–0) [contract_award] - Contract: internal auditing services with RSM (estimated up to $340,000) — approved (5–0) [contract_award] - Authorization: up to $10,000 for three months for professional coaching/consulting for Interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman — approved (5–0)

Board chair and staff said the approvals are intended to maintain district operations and comply with state reporting deadlines. Several board members asked that future public surveys be pushed to school-level newsletters and principal communications to widen reach. No board votes failed, and no ordinances or appointments were taken.

The board signaled plans to present fuller state test results and school grades when the Florida Department of Education releases official scores in June.