Happy Friday & Happy (almost) Labor Day! 🇺🇸 We continue celebrating the dedication of those who never stop serving like Mr. Nixon at Oneco Elementary School.
After more than 25 years with the Sarasota Police Department — investigating everything from burglaries to homicides — Mr. Nixon could’ve easily retired into relaxation. But instead, he answered a different kind of call. “After the tragedy in Parkland, the schools needed people like me,” he said.
And we couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Mr. Nixon, and all our school safety guardians for continuing to protect and serve where it matters most — our future! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
After more than 25 years with the Sarasota Police Department — investigating everything from burglaries to homicides — Mr. Nixon could’ve easily retired into relaxation. But instead, he answered a different kind of call. “After the tragedy in Parkland, the schools needed people like me,” he said.
And we couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Mr. Nixon, and all our school safety guardians for continuing to protect and serve where it matters most — our future! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Surprise Ticket Drop
You did it!
To celebrate a fantastic first week of school, the Bradenton Marauders and the School District of Manatee County are treating the amazing students, teachers, staff and families of the School District to a night out at the ballpark!
Let’s keep the momentum going!
See you at the stadium!
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.
Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system.
For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.
School Board Seeks Civic-Minded Citizens to Join Audit Committee –
The School Board of Manatee County is seeking civic-minded citizens to serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures. Membership on the Committee requires an average of five-to-eight hours per month, with meetings scheduled every other month for three hours. The term is approximately three years.
Those interested in serving must:
• Live in Manatee County.
• Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations.
• Submit a letter expressing interest, provide contact information and provide a brief summary of their work experience.
Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attention: School Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069.
Interested individuals may obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing the School Board Agency Administrative Associate at cox3l@manateeschools.net.
The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at
https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entityId=262385.
Family Empowerment Scholarship – Parents interested in applying for either FES-EO or FES-UA may review the eligibility requirements and application instructions at https://www.manateeschools.net/FES.