MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Manatee County School Board has selected the district’s next superintendent.
Dr. Laurie Breslin, who has experience as a teacher, executive, and is an alumna of the district, is set to assume her new position in early September, awaiting contract approval.
“Dr. Breslin exemplifies everything great about Manatee County. She has firsthand knowledge of our schools, families, and community, having lived it as a student, educator, parent, and leader. We trust she will lead with integrity and uphold our high standards,” said School Board Chair Chad Choate III.
The school district notes that Breslin’s teaching career began at Southeast High and Manatee High schools. She advanced to assistant principal positions at Manatee High and Palmetto High.
Breslin moved her career forward in Sarasota, where she took on the role of principal at Sarasota Middle School, a tenure during which the school was among the top 10% on state assessments.
She later returned to Manatee County, ascending to various leadership roles, such as director of secondary curriculum, executive director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, and most recently, executive director of student support and family engagement.
Officials mentioned that Breslin is actively involved in multiple community initiatives focused on enhancing family strength and boosting literacy and resilience among children of diverse backgrounds.
She previously served as vice chair of the Take Stock in Children Board of Directors and on the board of Parenting Matters.
“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,” Breslin said. “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.”
School Board Vice Chair Cindy Spray said most of the community feedback the board received was in favor of Breslin.
The fate of the district’s previous superintendent, Dr. Jason Wysong, was discussed at a May meeting. In a vote of 3 to 2, the Manatee County School Board decided to terminate his contract. The decision came less than two years after Wysong took over the job.
The board is expected to vote on Breslin’s contract on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
