Breslin and Mathis Named Finalists in Manatee Superintendent Search
The School District of Manatee County narrowed its search for a new superintendent to two finalists during this morning’s School Board meeting. Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis emerged as the top candidates after board members cast their votes.
The meeting, called to order at 9:04 a.m., featured a board discussion followed by the selection process. Dr. Laurie Breslin received five votes, while Dr. Misty Mathis received three. Both will advance to the next phase. David Adams and Luis Solano, who each received one vote, will not move forward but were thanked for their interest.
Board members’ selections were as follows: Heather Felton chose Breslin, Adams, Solano, and Mathis; Charlie Kennedy selected Breslin; Richard Tatem named Breslin and Mathis; Cindy Spray chose Breslin; and Chad Choate selected Breslin and Mathis. The board voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve Breslin and Mathis as finalists.
The following steps in the process begin August 18, when the full board will interview each finalist, followed by a media gaggle at 5:45 p.m. at Manatee Technical College and a public meet and greet at 6:15 p.m. The following day, August 19, board members will hold individual interviews with each candidate. A final selection is scheduled for August 26, with contract negotiations to follow. The contract is expected to be finalized on September 9.
Florida School Boards Association representative Andrea Messina provided board members with interview schedules, question banks, and a list of prohibited topics, including religion, politics, and family matters. Each board member has been assigned a specific interview topic area: Felton will cover instructional excellence and leadership; Kennedy, performance accountability; Tatem, personal leadership; Spray, business finance and operations; and Choate, board, staff, and community relations.
While the public will not be able to speak during interviews or the meet and greet, a QR code will be made available from August 18 to 24 for citizen input. The district recently closed its public input survey on August 10, receiving 363 responses, with both finalists garnering the most feedback.
The board expressed appreciation for community participation and encouraged ongoing involvement as the selection process moves forward. Full details, candidate materials, and a recording of today’s meeting are available on the district’s website.
