The School Board of Manatee County has selected Dr. Laurie Breslin to serve as the district’s next superintendent, pending approval of her contract.
“Dr. Breslin represents the absolute best of Manatee County. She knows our schools, our families, and our community because she is lived it—as a student, teacher, parent, and leader,” said School Board Chair Chad Choate. “We are confident she will guide us with integrity and continue our tradition of excellence.”
Dr. Breslin, a proud graduate of the District, is expected to officially step into the role in early September.
“I am proud that our next superintendent is one of our own,” said Vice Chair Cindy Spray. “Dr. Breslin’s story—from student to teacher to district executive—reflects her lifelong dedication to Manatee County and the belief that public education changes lives.”
Her appointment is both a professional achievement and a full-circle moment for a leader whose life and career have been deeply rooted in the community she will now guide.
“I am deeply honored by the trust the School Board has placed in me, and I am humbled to serve the community that shaped me as both a student and an educator,” said Dr. Breslin. “I am committed to building on our strengths, listening to our families, and ensuring every child has a path to success. This is more than a professional responsibility—it is a personal calling.”
Dr. Breslin began her career as a teacher at Southeast High and Manatee High schools, later serving as an assistant principal at both Manatee High and Palmetto High.
She went on to serve as Assistant Principal at Booker High in Sarasota before being named Principal of Sarasota Middle School. Under her leadership, the school ranked in the top 10% of state assessments,
expanded Career and Technical Education and arts offerings, and achieved continued academic
growth despite the challenges of hybrid learning during the pandemic.
“As a former teacher and now as a board member, I value Dr. Breslin’s perspective,” said School Board Member Heather Felton. “She has walked in the shoes of our families and educators, and I believe that will help her make thoughtful, student-centered decisions.”
Returning to the School District of Manatee County, she rose to key leadership positions including Director of Secondary Curriculum, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, and most recently, Executive Director of Student Support & Family Engagement, where she managed a $40 million budget and oversaw critical programs such as Exceptional Student Education, early childhood education, and crisis response.
Through her leadership, schools flagged for low performance among English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities saw measurable gains within a single year.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Breslin has remained deeply engaged in the community. She has served as Vice Chair of the Take Stock in Children Board of Directors, mentored local students, and served on the board of Parenting Matters.
“Dr. Breslin brings both experience and vision to this role,” said School Board Member Richard Tatem. “Her ability to deliver measurable results while staying connected to the community ensures she will keep our district focused on what matters most: student success.”
She is a Leadership Florida Education Class 6 Lifetime Member and has been active in initiatives such as “Soar in 4,” resiliency programs for students, and efforts to strengthen family engagement across the
district.
She is also co-author of Constructing an Online Professional Learning Network for School Unity and Student Achievement (Corwin Press, 2013).
Dr. Breslin holds a doctorate in Teaching and Learning from Argosy University, along with advanced degrees in Curriculum and Instruction with Educational Technology from the University of Florida.
“I believe Dr. Breslin will continue to strengthen trust between the district, families, and the broader community while keeping students at the center of every decision,” said School Board Member Charlie Kennedy.
As a mother of a current Manatee County student and a lifelong advocate for public education, Dr. Breslin embodies the values of servant leadership and community connection.
Her professional path, from classroom teacher to district executive, reflects both her dedication to student success and her belief in the schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews