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Schools

Myakka City Elementary first graders Delanee Verly and Emma Kelly check out the wide variety of books for sale during the CommUNITY Night.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 1, 2026
Myakka City Elementary hosts Community Night

In honor of Literacy Week, Myakka City Elementary families gathered to play games, paint a mural, and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ryan Chase is principal of Sarasota High School.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 29, 2026
What it takes to become principal of the year

Sarasota High's Ryan Chase explains the challenges and joys that come with the honor of being named the NASSP Florida High School Principal of the Year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Ava Donoghue is sophomore class president at Booker High School.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 28, 2026
Booker High School student breaks stigma and barriers with Booker Basics

The initiative by Sophomore Class President Ava Donoghue provides free feminine products in girls' bathrooms throughout the school.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 25, 2026
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy

The new policy specifies a three-day window for Sarasota County parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence, while outlining clearly what counts as an excused absence.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin, School Board Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, and School Board Members Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy were among the group of people to break ground on AAA High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Manatee School District breaks ground for new Lakewood Ranch high school

AAA High School, located at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and 10th graders in August 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ringling College names new president
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Mark Gordon
  • January 24, 2026
Ringling College names new president

Davis Schneiderman will be the globally known arts college's seventh president in 95 years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The resolution sponsored by School Board chair Bridget Ziegler passed 3-2.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 21, 2026
Sarasota School Board reaffirms cooperation with ICE, other law enforcement

The resolution passes 3-2 over the objection of dozens of speakers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Tara Elementary Principal Laura Campbell tells fifth grader Melany Ojeda that she is a future leader and can do anything she wants to do as long as she goes after it.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 21, 2026
Tara Elementary principal reminisces before taking on new adventure

Laura Campbell, who has been principal at Tara Elementary School since 2016, has been chosen to lead the new Veterans Elementary School in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Schools
Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor speaks on the district's plans to maximize utilization.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 18, 2026
Details firm up for Sarasota schools plan

A K-8 and magnet school conversion begins next year at five Sarasota County campuses.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Third graders Silas Swor and Misha Reus perform in "Button Up Your Overcoat," celebrating the 1930s.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 13, 2026
Student performances span the decades as Southside Elementary celebrates 100 years

The school has made an impact during its time, including advocating to make the orange the official state fruit.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Mike Newhams began teaching science at the Out-of-Door Academy in 1997 and was known for helping anyone and everyone with anything they might need. This included staying extra hours to provide academic support and attending clubs and events.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Beloved Out-of-Door Academy teacher dies

Mike Newhams, who began teaching at ODA in 1997, died due to complications from his cancer treatments.

  • East County
  • Schools
Urban Meyer takes in the Cardinal Mooney High/Booker High preseason football game in 2024.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 9, 2026
Urban Meyer named to New College trustee board

The national championship-winning football coach was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis alongside two reappointed board members.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 8, 2026
Student safety, mold issues loom for new Manatee schools superintendent

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities for 2026.

  • East County
  • Schools
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Sarasota County reevaluates need for new schools to serve Waterside

Jody Dumas, the executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said their two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

  • East County
  • Schools
Anthony Sizemore, a Braden River High freshman, is eager to show his FFA chapter's chapter pig at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Braden River High FFA students hope to make the grade at Manatee County Fair

After sacrificing much of their free time to care for farm animals, many of the students will be rewarded.

  • East County
  • Schools
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