Multiple School Board Candidate Forums Scheduled to Inform Manatee County Voters
Manatee County voters will have more than one opportunity to hear directly from school board candidates ahead of the upcoming election, with two separate forums scheduled to provide insight into key issues and candidate priorities.
The Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a School Board Candidate Forum for Districts 2 and 5 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. District 2 candidates scheduled to participate include Rev. James Golden, Dr. Sharon Jefferson, Margi Nanney, incumbent Cindy Spray, and JT White. District 5 candidates Dr. Jonathan Mullis and Harvey Shifrin will also take part. Camden Bedinghaus will not be participating, and District 4 candidate Chad Choate remains unopposed.
A second forum focused specifically on District 2 will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton. Hosted by UnidosNow, the event will feature District 2 candidates Cindy Spray, JT White, Margi Nanney, Rev. James Golden, and Dr. Sharon Jefferson. The forum will be moderated by UnidosNow Board Chair Kelly Kirschner and is designed to engage the community with opportunities to learn about the candidates, receive local voting information, and participate in a bilingual-friendly environment. Snacks and refreshments will be available.
Both events aim to encourage civic engagement and provide voters with a clearer understanding of where candidates stand on issues impacting Manatee County schools. Residents are encouraged to attend one or both forums to make informed decisions at the ballot box.