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School board approves foster-care liaison post, reimbursement resolution, charter surtax distribution and staffing flexibility
Summary
The School Board of Manatee County on Aug. 5 unanimously approved the creation of a foster-care liaison position, a reimbursement resolution for capital projects, a plan to share sales surtax revenue with charter schools through 2032, and statutory staffing flexibility allowing up to $500,000 in memorandum agreements.
The School Board of Manatee County on Aug. 5 approved four superintendent recommendations and related fiscal items in unanimous 5–0 votes:
- Creation of a foster-care liaison position: The board approved a new job description and position to coordinate services for foster students and families. Superintendent Chapman said the role responds to a “wonderful embracing community of foster care families” and will be supported in part by funding from United Way Suncoast and Title funding. The motion passed 5–0.
- Reimbursement resolution 2025-007: The board approved a reimbursement resolution that allows the district to treat certain pre-issuance capital costs (architectural fees, surveying, soils reports and similar costs) as reimbursable if the district later issues certificates of participation (COPs). Miss Sellers explained the resolution does not obligate the district to issue debt; it preserves the ability to include prior project costs in a future financing if the board later approves issuance. The motion passed 5–0.
- Proportionate-share distribution of sales surtax revenue to charter schools: The board authorized distribution of the district’s sales surtax revenue to qualifying charter schools for fiscal 2025–26 through Dec. 31, 2032, on a proportionate-share basis. The item followed multiple workshops and limited public comment. The motion passed 5–0.
- Authorization to use flexibility under Florida Statute 1001.42, section 21: The board authorized the superintendent to use flexibility established by statute to address selection, placement, compensation and expectations for instructional staff, including executing memorandums of understanding up to $500,000. Superintendent Chapman said the flexibility has been used previously to support improvement efforts at schools needing additional staffing options. The motion passed 5–0.
Each item was moved, seconded and approved with a recorded result of 5–0; the board did not record roll-call votes for individual members in the transcript, but the board chair announced each motion carried 5–0.
Ending: Board members praised the foster-care liaison proposal as a needed community resource and agreed to further workshops on capital project options tied to the reimbursement resolution.
