Manatee County School Board elects Cindy Spray as chair, Richard Tatum as vice chair; approves meeting schedule and committee roster

Cindy Spray was elected chair of the Manatee County School Board and Richard Tatum was elected vice chair during the board's annual reorganization meeting on Nov. 18, 2025. Both leadership votes were approved by a 5-0 voice tally.

The board approved its regular meeting calendar for the 2025'026 school year as amended, including a change of the May meeting date from May 19 (graduation week) to May 12, and moved to set workshops on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to create a consistent schedule for staff and the public. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the meeting schedule and the workshop timing.

The meeting included a review and confirmation of committee assignments and external liaisons. Board members confirmed representation on a range of groups cited by the board including the Citizens Financial Audit Committee, FSBA-related committees, the Manatee Education Foundation, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and several advisory and consortium bodies. The board removed one formerly listed committee (the former CFOC) from the roster.

During a brief recess the board met as the Manatee School Board Leasing Corp. The board read the corporation's articles of incorporation, which state that the members of the leasing corporation are the members of the school board and that the chair of the board serves as president, the vice chair as vice president and the superintendent as secretary/treasurer. The leasing-corp membership and officers were approved by vote.

Superintendent Dr. Breslin thanked board members for a smooth reorganization process and wished staff and families a safe Thanksgiving break. In board comments that followed, members offered congratulations to the newly elected chair and vice chair. Board member Richard Tatum shared a personal anecdote about a bicycling encounter he used to emphasize de-escalation and communication, telling colleagues "feedback is a gift." Chair Spray closed by reminding the public that redistricting (rezone) materials will be posted on the district website ahead of calendar decisions next month. The meeting adjourned.

The board cited Florida Statute 1001.371 at the start of the reorganization meeting; the statute was read aloud as part of the meeting opening.