Florida / School Districts / Manatee
After a lengthy on-the-record exchange over whether to use a race-specific proclamation, the Manatee County School Board adopted a Black History Month proclamation 4–1 with one abstention. The board also agreed to review its proclamations policy at a workshop.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
The board approved committee recommendations to adopt Carnegie Learning's Spanish product and CLEP World Languages' French product for grades 6–12 as part of the consent agenda. A 30‑day objection window opens before orders are placed.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
At its Feb. 24 meeting the Manatee County School Board approved the consent agenda and multiple routine items by unanimous vote, and adopted a Black History Month proclamation by a 4–1 margin (one abstention).
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
District leaders reported midyear PM2 (FAST) ELA results Feb. 10 showing year-over-year gains across multiple grade bands, including a cited 7-point rise in VPK proficiency and district gains that outpaced the state in select grades; board asked for Manatee-specific longitudinal data on VPK impacts.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
During public comment Feb. 10, parents urged later high-school start times and raised safety and overcrowding concerns at Lakewood Ranch High; another commenter alleged fraud and misconduct related to Lincoln Memorial Academy and submitted a sworn criminal affidavit, which the superintendent said staff and attorneys will review.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
District leaders and teachers highlighted Career & Technical Education month on Feb. 10, showcasing expanded industry partnerships, hands-on training (including a DaVinci surgical simulator and Anatomage anatomy tables) and pathways to Manatee Technical College and local employers.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
Board members began a workshop to refresh the district strategic plan (current 'Ready 2026' ends in June). Presenters proposed a July rollout and recommended community input and a steering committee; board members debated mission wording, plan length (2–4 years), KPIs and adding community representation to selection/steering groups.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
An RSM special review found no instances of noncompliance that would invalidate the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) procurement for the AAA high school, but recommended mandatory selection-committee conflict disclosures, clearer RFQ language about preliminary cost estimates and tighter verification of scoring procedures.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
The board reviewed a living five-year internal audit risk assessment. The external assessor proposed a sequence of audits — including maintenance work orders and payroll/compensation — and recommended annual follow-up on prior observations; committee liaisons will coordinate audits with staff.
Florida / School Districts / Manatee
Board members and staff began a workshop‑driven update to Ready 2026 with a goal to finalize a new strategic plan by July; discussion focused on mission and vision wording, community engagement, plan length (2–4 years), teacher retention, career/technical pathways, KPIs and aligning the plan with the superintendent's priorities.