Rain or shine, our bus drivers, bus attendants, and school teams always deliver! Thank you for your patience and care during Monday's stormy dismissal, making sure every student got home safe and sound. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
two men standing in front of a yellow school bus on a sunny day
A smiling woman in a black rain poncho during dismissal at a school in the rain
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Carl Reynolds Law, ABC 7, and our incredible community for making the Chalkboard Champions Day of Giving a huge success! 🌟 Because of your generosity, the School District of Manatee County received a check today on behalf of the Manatee Education Foundation for $18,351 in support of our teachers and students. 🍎📚 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
Behind the scenes of a television interview in which adults are sitting on a sofa
Four people holding a large check made out to the Manatee education foundation
television cameras in the studio during an interview of adults
Sherry Freeman-Douglas, a beloved "lunch lady" at Southeast High is in quite the pickle. She LOVES her Seminoles. Serves them smiles and salads every day. But we had to ask… if Southeast is facing off against her alma mater, Palmetto High School: "Sherry, who are you cheering for?" Without missing a beat, she grinned and said: “I’m a Tiger to the bone!” 🐅 followed by a roar of laughter. We still love you, Sherry — even if you're cheering for the "other" team. Thanks for feeding bellies and hearts every day! 🧡💙 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #ViralLunchLadies
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A smiling food service employee standing next to a rack filled with small bags of chips
AVID Spotlight: Building Success At Bayshore Elementary School! AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is helping students across grade levels build the skills they need to succeed! Students learn how to stay organized, take focused notes, and set meaningful goals to take charge of their learning. Teachers use enhanced AVID strategies like WICOR—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—to create engaging lessons that encourage deeper thinking and teamwork. These practices help students ask thoughtful questions, work together, and think critically. With AVID, students are developing strong habits and confidence that prepare them for future academic success and lifelong learning. Fifth grade students in the spotlight this week are being guided by Ms. Nichols, Ms. Rath, and Dr. Ward. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
students in a classroom working on schoolwork
students working together on an assignment
Students in a small group working together on an assignment
Post-it notes on a bulletin board reflecting work being done inside a classroom
Student sitting around a large table discussing their assignment
Students smile around a table inside a classroom
Elementary school students gathered around a large table discussing their assignment
A group of students gathered around a table working hard
Student leaders from Ringling College teamed up with Turning Points to give back in a big way—beautifying the Office of Student Assignment near Lincoln Memorial Middle. With fresh landscaping and creative touches, they’ve helped transform the space into a welcoming spot for families and staff. 🌱✨
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A group of student leaders from Ringling College gathered in Palmetto for a beautification project
The office of student assignment near Lincoln Memorial middle
A group of Ringling College students who participated in a beautification of the office of student assignment
On Monday, the two finalists for Manatee County Superintendent — Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis — toured Braden River High School ahead of tonight’s community event. ✨ You’re invited to meet & greet the finalists! 📅 Tonight | Monday, August 18, 2025 🕕 6:15 – 7:45 PM 📍 Manatee Technical College 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton, FL 34203 Your voice matters—come be part of the conversation about our district’s future!
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A sign at a school advertising a public event to meet school superintendent finalist
A superintendent finalist looks on inside a classroom
A group of school, district, and community leaders join Dr. Laurie goodBreslin for a tour of Braden River high school
dr. Misty Mathis and principal Wendell Butler at Braden River high school with the statue of a pirate
School, district, and community leaders joined Dr. Misty Mathis for a tour of Braden River high school
A superintendent finalist looks on inside the band room at a high school
Dr. Laurie Breslin and principal Wendell Butler with a statue of a pirate
As we begin the second week of the new school year, we’re proud to spotlight the Guardians who keep safety at the heart of our campuses. Meet Mr. Dan — once a plumber in Romania and later a New York City police officer, he now protects and serves on our campuses. Thank you to all of our School Safety Guardians for your courage and commitment to keeping students safe! 💙 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school safety guardian wearing a vest stands in front of a school made from bricks
We kicked off the week at Palmetto High School, not realizing our photos would spark one of the biggest responses yet—nearly 96,000 views and counting! The Tigers’ love and admiration for Ms. Renae, a PHS grad who has been serving students for 31 years, and the entire Food & Nutrition Services team brought us back to the cafeteria today to say THANK YOU and encourage them to keep up the amazing work. Go Tigers! 🐅 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, Melissa Parker
A food service workers T-shirt, which says she looks forward to all the challenges ahead
A smiling lunch Lady wearing a high school T-shirt
The food and nutrition services team at Palmetto high school
A food service worker, and school staff member smiling in the cafeteria
Shoutout to Rober Velez, a dedicated district pest control technician entering his 20th school year! The former head custodian says it’s a family business, doting on his wife, sister, and brother-in-law, who all serve in the district . “It’s a great place to work because of the kids,” he said, “we do it for them.” Rober was hard at work at Abel Elementary School on Friday #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school district pest control, technician smiles, while holding his work tools
Palma Sola Elementary is celebrating Color Days all month long in support of our pre-K and kindergarten students learning their colors! On Wednesday, the whole campus was decked out in red. This year’s school theme ties in with campus construction: “Building Memories, One Brick at a Time!” 🧱✨
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A boy wearing red gives a thumbs up while walking to school
School office staff wearing red in support of color days
A young girl smiles while wearing red
Two children wearing red waves to the camera
Two staff members smile while wearing red
A class of young students and their teacher showing off their outfit
Two food service workers wearing red
A class of student students, and their teacher wearing red
The principal and assistant principal of a school, smiling shoulder to shoulder
A class of kindergarten students and their teacher all wearing red
Shoutout to Paul (right) and D (left), a pair of dedicated school district plumbers with nearly 60 years of service combined! They were hard at work at Palma Sola Elementary School on Wednesday, keeping things running for students and staff. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
two men wearing blue shirts, jeans, and boots at a school working to fix a plumbing issue.
Congratulations to Maura Howl, Supervisor of Communications & Grants Management at Manatee Technical College, who was honored with the 2025 FACTE Lifetime Achievement Award. For 40 years, Maura has been a driving force in the CTE community, securing significant grants and advancing technical education in Florida.

Additionally, Doug Wagner, Director of Manatee Technical College, has been inducted into the 2025 FACTE Hall of Fame. With decades of service in public school career and technical education, Doug has made significant contributions to the School District of Manatee County, including his work with various professional organizations and his leadership in advancing student programs.

Both were joined by Dr. Paul Gansemer, Executive Director of Adult, Career and Technical Education, during a School Board recognition at the August 5th regular meeting. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and their unwavering commitment to career and technical education! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
School Board members stand behind three career and technical leaders, holding awards given to them by a statewide organization
Teachers and staff at Gene Witt Elementary School are kicking off the new school year with team spirit and a champion mindset! Inspired by The Infinite Game, this year’s goal is all about playing with purpose, lifting each other up, and building a future that lasts — both in the classroom and beyond. As you can see by their creative photo decor, staff is already bringing the energy, the laughs, and the message loud and clear: 👉 We’re here to BUILD CHAMPIONS — together. Let’s go, Witt Family! #GoodNewsBackToSchool #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
Teachers superimposed their faces on students holding hands
Teacher standing shoulder to shoulder in front of a brick wall
teachers wearing hockey jerseys pretending to be players
Teachers superimpose their faces professional athletes
Teachers pretending to be football players
teachers dresses, hockey players in the pile of hockey sticks in front of them
Teachers super imposed their faces on professional athletes
A Photoshop image of teachers playing football
The School Board of Manatee County has selected Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis to advance as finalists in the search for the District’s next superintendent. The Board selected and voted on the two finalists during the Board meeting on Tuesday, August 12th. The next phase of the process will include formal interviews with the finalists. As part of the selection process, the district will host a Community Meet & Greet with the finalists on Monday, August 18th, at 6:15 p.m. at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 East in Bradenton. The event will provide parents, staff, and community members the opportunity to meet the candidates, learn more about their backgrounds, and share input with the School Board. A survey link for community members to provide feedback will be available on August 18th. For more information about the superintendent search, visit https://www.manateeschools.net.
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A graphic showing the two finalist for Manatee County superintendent
The Tigers roared into the new school year with a mix of new faces and cherished traditions! 🐅☀️ On Monday, Palmetto High seniors came together for one last sunrise, marking the start of their final year. Faculty and staff were all smiles as they welcomed students back for another amazing year at PHS! #GoodNewsBackToSchool
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
The sunrise comes up at Palmetto high school. Photo by Jamie Blatt.
Seniors prepare for the first day of school by hanging a sign. Photo by Jamie Blatt
A senior hold a sign saying last first day of school. Photo by Jamie Blatt.
The new front office at Palmetto high school
A student smiles for the camera as photo IDs are distributed on the first day of school
The attendance clerk and two students are all smiles on the first day of school
Palmetto high discipline secretary gives thumbs up on the first day of school
A faculty member and two students smiling on the first day of school
Two seniors smiling with their backpacks to the camera
He Palmetto high student is all smiles as he gets his first lunch of the school year
From first day jitters to joyful reunions, the Eagles of Louise R. Johnson K-8 are soaring into a brand new school year! 🦅✨ Here’s to learning, laughter, and making memories in 2025–2026. #GoodNewsBackToSchool
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A little girl smiles on the first day of school
to school resource officers stand next to the school mascot, an Eagle
School administrators are ready for a productive school year
Students are all smiles on the first day of the school year
A group of boys with the middle school athletic Director, smiling in the first day of school
Children in the breakfast line at school
Old friends, catch up and talk on the first day of school
A bus driver and bus just dropped off their first students
A teacher welcoming students to a new school year
A smiling child gets his photo taken for a school ID
Lakewood Ranch High School is back in the saddle and ready to ride into a brand new year starting Monday! Administrators and staff are proud to welcome students back to an A-rated school - where excellence is the tradition and success is the goal. Let's Go Mustangs! ¡Vamos Mustangs! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellence
7 months ago, School District of Manatee County
High school administrators hold a gold balloon signifying their A grade earned for the last school year
Principal Scott Flynn is ushering in a new era at Cougar campus with exciting renovations, modern learning spaces, and a deep appreciation for the school’s history. As teachers prepare for the first day on Monday, August 11th, the mission remains the same: put students first and inspire success through PAWS values.
7 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school principal standing next to a wall with the school mascot painted on it
A framed letter from the 1920s featuring executive action taken by the parent teacher’s association
Active construction happening on a school campus
A classroom with every desk topped with a notebook and crayons
A principal and teacher all smiles, leading up to the first day of school inside a classroom
A teacher is welcoming door and wall decorations
The cafeteria staff at Oneco elementary
The inside of the cafeteria at Oneco elementary
An art room featuring new furniture and windows
The inside of a classroom featuring new technology and furniture
Manatee County's bus drivers, attendants, and transportation staff revved up for the new school year at Wakeland Support Center on Tuesday. They fueled up with breakfast, mapped out their upcoming routes, and put their skills in high gear during dexterity training. All to ensure a smooth, safe ride for our students this year! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
7 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school bus sits under a canopy of oak trees
Three transportation employees are all smiles during a beginning of the school year conference
A transportation employee enjoys the delicious breakfast buffet at a conference
School bus drivers fuel up with a healthy breakfast before heading into a day of training
Transportation professionals work with a bus driver on his upcoming route for the school year
Transportation employees stand next to a grid showing all routes have been claimed for the upcoming school year
A school bus driver stands next to a big yellow bus
A school bus driver, wearing a green polo shirt and baseball cap smiles while sitting in inthe seat of a school bus
A school bus driver stands in the aisle of the school bus
The reflection of a school bus driver with a big smile on his face
Christmas came early for Tara Elementary teachers and staff on Monday. For the second year in a row, they were treated to a luncheon and back to school gifts at Beef 'O' Brady's Braden River. Owners Tim and Lauren Macri love giving back to the community #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
7 months ago, School District of Manatee County
School administrators and their executive director stand next to a Christmas tree with school supplies underneath
A teacher smiles after opening a Christmas in July gift filled with school supplies
A kindergarten teacher is happy to receive animal erasers for her class this school year
Two teachers smile as they receive a giant basket filled with sanitizer wipes and other essential school supplies as a gift
Teachers in a restaurant owner smile from behind an Instagram photo prop during the Christmas in July luncheon at beef O’Brady‘s
A teacher holds two containers of paper that will be used to decorate her classroom bulletin boards
A teacher is overjoyed to receive a polkadot gift bag filled with school supplies for the new year
A smiling teacher hold a treasure box filled with goodies for her students this school year
Two teachers pose with an Instagram photo prompt during the Christmas in July event at beef O’Brady’s
The owner of OB, Brady and Tara elementary administrators and shoulder shoulders, smiling in the restaurant