Manatee School Board selects two finalists for superintendent position

The School District of Manatee County board announced Tuesday that it has selected two finalists for the superintendent position. 

Laurie Breslin is an internal candidate and has served as the executive director of student support and family engagement since 2023. She has held the roles of executive director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment and director of secondary curriculum in Manatee County. 

For the Nassau County School District, Misty Mathis serves as the executive director of curriculum and instruction, a position she has held since July 2021. Within that same district, she has been the director of exceptional student education and student services, executive director of exceptional student education and student services, and the director of exceptional student education. 

“I think given the pool of 16 that we had, we have arrived at the best,” said School Board Member Charlie Kennedy. 

School Board Member Richard Tatem said both candidates have similar backgrounds and it will be a tough decision to make. 

School Board Vice Chair Cindy Spray said that in her heart, she feels someone local is what the district needs, but she respects both finalists. The board is expected to makes its choice Aug. 26. 

On Aug. 18, the school board members will interview Breslin and Mathis. At 6:15 p.m. Aug. 18, there will be a public meet and greet with the finalists at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton.