- August 4, 2026
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As the beginning of the school year creeps closer, administrators use the mostly empty schools to do a variety of tasks including hiring new staff, reviewing data, planning professional learning and more.
The energy shifts once the doors open for students. The School District of Manatee County welcomes students back on Aug. 10 for the 2026-2027 school year.
“You hear the laughter in the hallways, see teachers reconnecting with their students and feel the energy that only comes when our school community is together again,” Natalie Jadid, the principal at Willis Elementary School, said. “What stands out most is that sense of joy and connection with students and families which reminds us every day why our work matters so much.”
Lake Manatee K-8 Principal Todd Richardson said this school year brings an exciting new challenge as sixth grade students will be in the school for the first time. He said they are welcoming more than 700 additional students and adding over 60 new staff members.
“Our goal is to build on the success we experienced last year while maintaining the strong culture, leadership opportunities and academic excellence that helped make our first year so memorable,” Richardson said. “I’m excited to see what our students and staff will accomplish together.”
Richardson said it is important for parents and community members to be patient and trust the process when it comes to the beginning of the school year.
“Schools put an incredible amount of work into creating a safe, organized, and engaging environment for students,” Richardson said. “There are many procedures, schedules, and policies that are designed to help the school run smoothly, and when families support those systems, it makes the transition back to school much easier for everyone.”
Jadid said every school year is a fresh beginning in which she keeps high expectations, celebrates student success and continues to create opportunities where every child can shine.
For Willis Elementary School families, drop off and pick up will look different than previous years due to construction at Country Club East Park, where youth baseball fields are being built. Jadid said student safety remains a top priority, therefore a map, directions and an informational video will be sent out to answer common questions from Willis parents.
“We truly appreciate the flexibility, patience, and cooperation of our families during this time. By working together and planning ahead, we can ensure dismissal remains safe, smooth, and efficient for all students
Dr. Mona Jain Middle School Principal Kate Barlaug said the incredible growth that happens in one school year sticks out to her and makes her proud.
“Middle school is such a unique age and it's rewarding to watch students gain confidence, build relationships, discover new interests and mature both academically and personally,” Barlaug said. “What excites me most is the opportunity to continue building a strong school culture where every student feels connected, supported and challenged to reach their potential.”
Barlaug was proud of the school pride that was demonstrated last year through school events, student celebrations, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. She looks forward to building on that.
Myakka City Elementary School Principal Carol Ricks is eager for the new year to start as she wants to build on the momentum achieved last year from earning an A school grade from the previous C grade.
“We want to continue developing confident readers, kind leaders, and students who love coming to school each day,” Ricks said. “I'm also excited to continue strengthening the relationships we have with our families and community because those partnerships are a huge part of our success.”
Braden River Middle School Principal Kimberlain Zenon said she looks forward to the excitement, curiosity and creativity the students bring to campus each and every day.
“Their energy inspires me,” Zenon said. “I am eager to see them embrace new challenges, build meaningful connections and discover their potential.”
While Cliff Dawson, the band teacher at Braden River High School, is not a principal, he is the Manatee County Teacher of the Year. With this title comes great responsibility, especially entering a new school year. He wants to continue to expand the band program and improve every day.
Dawson said it is important for everyone in the school system to put their best foot forward from day one as the school year can go south quickly if they don’t. If you don’t study for your first test, don’t stay on top of homework or get in trouble, habits can be hard to break.
“I hope everybody approaches every school year as a new opportunity to set a new standard for themselves and to make every year the next best year possible,” Dawson said. “I hope everybody's looking forward to a good year and putting in their best effort.”
Ricks said her biggest piece of advice when starting a new school year is to keep the lines of communication open — more often than not issues that come up at school can be easily solved with one conversation. Do not hesitate to reach out to school administrators with questions and concerns.
“When families, educators and our community partner with one another and assume positive intentions, our students benefit,” Ricks said. “We all share the same goal — to help every child feel safe, supported, and successful — and that's something worth working together for.”
