Board splits 3-2 to pay travel expenses for two members attending Senator Jim Boyd designation

The School Board of Manatee County voted 3-2 to approve travel expenses for two board members to attend an event honoring Sen. Jim Boyd’s designation as president of the Florida Senate. Public commenters and two board members argued the invitation and the event materials identified the gathering as a partisan Republican caucus event and said public money should not fund such appearances. Those opposed voted no.

Martha Jacobs, a resident who spoke during public comment, called the trip a partisan political event and urged board members to pay their own way; she said it set a poor precedent for using taxpayer funds. Board members who supported funding said they considered relationship-building with a locally elevated senator to be within their governance role and noted the board seat’s inherently political nature. Board members referenced a Florida Commission on Ethics review and legal counsel said prior opinions did not prohibit the board from approving travel expenses within the board’s discretion.

Board member Tatum and board member Felton recorded no votes on the motion; the motion passed with three affirmative votes. Members discussed that placing the item on the open agenda (rather than in consent) complied with new statutory transparency requirements. Several members said they would personally pay their way if they chose to attend regardless of the board decision.

The board did not change policy at the meeting; members asked legal to continue reviewing applicable ethics opinions and said they might refine future guidance on board travel funded with public money.