Meanwhile, board members get updates on apprenticeships and program for students with intellectual disabilities.
By Noah Vinsky and Kylee Worth
Original Air Date: August 13, 2025
Host: The School Board of Manatee County narrowed down its superintendent search to two finalists on Tuesday. Last week, Manatee Technical College also gave an update on EDGE, the school’s new program for students with intellectual disabilities, at its one-year mark. WSLR’s Noah Vinsky and Kylee Worth report.
Noah Vinsky: A day after students returned to the classroom, the Manatee County School Board voted to approve two finalists for the superintendent position.
Andrea Messina: Mr. Chair, at this point I have two finalists: Dr. Laurie Breslin and Dr. Misty Mathis.
Superintendent candidate Dr. Laurie Breslin
NV: Breslin and Mathis were the only two Florida candidates in the semifinalist pool. Breslin would be an internal hire. She serves as the Manatee School District’s Executive Director of Student Support and Family Engagement. Mathis is the Director of Curriculum for Nassau County Schools in northeastern Florida, just north of Jacksonville. That district has over 12,000 students across 22 schools.
Superintendent candidate Dr. Misty Mathis
A final interview with Breslin was requested by all five board members. Board members Cindy Spray and Charlie Kennedy excluded Mathis from their final interview list but ultimately decided to proceed with her as a finalist.
The interview process with the full board and individual members begins next week. A community meet-and-greet with the finalists will be held next Monday, August 18, 6:15 p.m. at Manatee Technical College. The board will select its new superintendent on August 26.
Project EDGE graduates
At last week’s school board workshop, Manatee Technical College provided updates on EDGE. That’s a two-stage program for students with cognitive disabilities that helps them develop employable skills and certifications.
This past year was the EDGE program’s first trial run. Eight students walked across the graduation stage, all with post-college plans, whether that be seeking further education or starting a job. This year, the program is working with a larger cohort of 10 students and is working toward developing more relationships with local businesses as potential employers.
These relationships will also further Manatee Technical College’s apprenticeship program, which has seen significant growth. This year, the apprenticeship program will be made up of 200 students, with six new opportunities, such as pharmacy, plumbing and HVAC. They are looking to grow the number of registered apprenticeship businesses in Sarasota-Manatee counties with the support of the Manatee County School Board.
Heather Felton: We keep adding new things and new opportunities and working with the community and bringing local business in. I’m just so impressed with everything you’re doing with this and project EDGE, to be able to service so many people in our community. I’m always excited when you’ve got something going on.
NV: Noah Vinsky and Kylee Worth for WSLR News.
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