Several Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) juniors had the opportunity to work with school district leaders to help frame the future of education in Manatee County. This is the first in a series of stories about the event.
Claire Freund—Mustangs Ahead
(Lakewood Ranch, FL) - Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) juniors Sienna Lee, Gabby Finnegan, and Gabby Martinez Reyes recently participated in the 2026–2027 Manatee School Superintendent’s Advisory Panel, a district initiative designed to give students a direct voice in shaping the future of Manatee County schools. The panel is made up of 11th-grade student leaders selected by their principals to represent their peers and school communities.
Students from high schools across Manatee County met with Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin and district leaders to discuss topics connected to student success, academics, school culture, and college and career readiness. During the meeting, LRHS students were grouped with students from different schools to offer a variety of perspectives and experiences.
“At the superintendent meeting, I met with other students who were chosen from different schools across the district,” said Lee. “We discussed questions about what our schools are doing well and what could be improved so the board could get honest student feedback and ideas.”
The meeting focused on topics such as district testing, student morale, teacher instruction, and student well-being. After discussing the questions in groups, students presented their ideas and feedback to district leadership and school board members.
Finnegan said the meeting gave students an important opportunity to speak directly with district leaders about what students believe would help schools improve.
“The superintendent listened to students who are actively attending schools on what they think will help students succeed”.
The meeting also allowed students to hear perspectives from schools across the district. Many students said listening to others helped them better understand the differences in opportunities, resources, and extracurricular programs between schools.
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“It gave me a new perspective on the school district because I got to meet students from many different schools,” said Lee.
For Martinez Reyes, the experience was especially meaningful because it allowed her to connect with district leaders involved in Career and Technical Education programs. As a student heavily involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), she enjoyed discussing leadership opportunities and future goals with district staff members.
“At the Superintendent’s meeting, I had the opportunity to network with like-minded leaders from across Manatee County high schools,” said Martinez Reyes.=
Students were also informed that the advisory panel plans to meet again in the fall to continue discussions and review whether any student suggestions have been implemented. The continued meetings will allow students to stay involved in conversations about changes and improvements happening throughout the district.
The meeting left many students feeling encouraged about the future of the district. By sharing ideas directly with district leadership and learning from students across Manatee County, the advisory panel gave students the opportunity to play an active role in conversations about improving schools and student life.