Schools official plans to leave district

After just over two years as superintendent of the Manatee County School District, Rick Mills is leaving the position, as stated in a April 27 press release.

His retirement will take effect July 31.

Mills joined the district March 20, 2013. He plans to discuss his decision to leave the district at the School Board's May 12 workshop.

After 25 months on the job, Mills helped turn an $8.9 million deficit into a $14.4 million surplus for a district who spent several years financially mismanaging their dollars, he said. 

Mills, whose military and education careers span more than 40 years, also helped the district meet its required fund balance for thefirst time since 2009; and he helped raise the district from its 47th ranking statewide to 27th, among other accomplishments.

Fourteen of his years in education have been in leadership roles in Illinois and Minnesota school districts.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the April 30 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].