Laurie Breslin named as the new Manatee County superintendent

Laurie Breslin was chosen unanimously to be the next superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Tuesday evening during a regular board meeting.

The school district noted her contract would be finalized by Sept. 9. 

"This is my home ... this will forever be my home," said Breslin, who has been serving as executive director of Student Support and Family Engagement for the School District of Manatee County. "I will retire here in Manatee County." 

School board Chair Chad Choate said the decision affects more than 52,000 students and 6,000 employees. He said there were a lot of similarities between the two finalists and he said that wasn't a coincidence. He said they both had the necessary qualifications, but Breslin had the edge because she grew up and worked in Manatee County. 

"She (Breslin) was a student here in Manatee County and fast forward, now she's leading Manatee County School District," Choate said.

School Board Member Charlie Kennedy gave both candidates, Misty Mathis and Breslin, credit for their impressive resumes. 

"She is incredibly smart, incredibly personable, and she loves children," Kennedy said of Breslin. "She's a positive influence wherever she is, whether it's a friends' group or work situation. She brings professionalism and positivity wherever she goes." 

The school board encouraged Mathis to keep pursuing her dream of becoming a superintendent elsewhere. Mathis has been the executive director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Nassau County School District since 2021. 

Breslin has worked in district leadership for the School District of Manatee County in various roles since 2021. 

Prior to district leadership, she worked in various roles at Sarasota Middle School, Manatee High School, Palmetto High School and Booker High School.