Manatee School Board Begins Search for New Superintendent Amid Growth and Challenges
As the school year winds down for students and staff, the Manatee County School Board is preparing for a busy summer focused on selecting a new superintendent to lead the district.
The search follows the board’s recent 3-2 vote to terminate the contract of former Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong, who had been in the role since May 2023. Despite positive performance reports highlighting increased graduation rates and academic improvements, board members cited ongoing concerns about poor communication as the primary reason for the dismissal.
In the interim, Kevin Chapman, the district’s Chief of Staff, is serving as acting superintendent. Chapman emphasized that school operations remain steady as the district heads into its summer schedule, which includes budget planning, summer programs, and preparations for the upcoming academic year.
Board members will meet on Thursday to begin outlining the superintendent search process. The goal is to have a permanent replacement in place before the start of the 2025-2026 school year in August.
Whoever steps into the role will face several pressing challenges, including continued enrollment growth, redistricting efforts, and persistent transportation complaints from families across the district.
The Manatee County School District currently serves approximately 42,000 students, with enrollment expected to increase as the area continues to grow. School officials are aiming to ensure a smooth leadership transition while maintaining momentum in educational progress and infrastructure planning.