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Schools

The School District of Manatee County Bus Attendant Rolando Giz and Bus Driver Richard Dymond said community members need to be more mindful of passing buses, especially when the stop sign is out, as it puts the students at risk on busy roads.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Impressive team effort gets the students to school safely each day

While drivers and bus attendants are crucial, there are many more workers behind the scenes for Manatee schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakeview Elementary first graders Emory Snyder, Lenny Collazo-Leon and Cullan Peacock watch in excitement to see whether items float or sink in the Ocean Technology Lab at Mote Sea May 7.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Mote aquarium produces a wave of impact on Manatee, Sarasota students

Mote SEA has hosted over 290 field trips working with 16,500 students since opening in October 2025.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kevin Chapman, the associate superintendent of administration and Todd Richardson, principal of Lake Manatee K-8, welcomed students to the new school for the first time in August 2025.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Local parents have choices to make when a new school opens

Lake Manatee K-8 is open for business, and Rangeland High School is set to open fall of 2027 for Lakewood Ranch-area families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dustin Dahlquist, who has taught in a variety of roles in Manatee County including a classroom teacher, athletic director, principal and more, is the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Support starts at the top for new Rangeland High School

Dustin Dahlquist, who has served as principal for Lakewood Ranch High School for seven years, is preparing to lead as the founding principal of Rangeland High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
The construction of Rangeland High School is underway in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2026
Manatee school district's construction efforts peak in the summer

Three East Manatee schools are under construction this summer.

  • East County
  • Schools
Brookside Middle School sign with updated social media handles to @GulfCoastAcademySCS.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 16, 2026
Future plans for Sarasota County schools are underway

A broad swath of proposals to reinvent campuses begins to take shape this academic year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Teacher Erin Foss reads at a table that includes second grader Landry Shorb, Alison Rini visits and third grader Adonis Harris at Star Lab.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 16, 2026
Microschools reach Sarasota as they grow throughout the state of Florida

These small, schoolhouse-style schools emphasize nontraditional educational methods.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Administrators and teachers say reading to students in the summer is important so they don't fall backward.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 16, 2026
Administrators, teachers offer tips on navigating the world of testing

Here are some major assessments students must complete during their academic career.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 16, 2026
Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Here are some questions from the Florida Standards science and math sample exams to test your knowledge.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Booker High School's Visual and Performing Arts program gives students hands-on experience in their field of choice, from theater to dance and beyond.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 16, 2026
Booker High's bar-setting arts program draws talent near and far

Visual and Performing Arts Program Director and Booker High School alumna Courtney Smith says the program's innovative approach keeps it on the cutting edge of magnet programs.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Bradenton's Margi Nanney is running for the District 2 school board seat for the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2026
'Champion for academic excellence' decides to run for Manatee school board

Margi Nanney says she can provide a seasoned perspective of the school system as a mother, a volunteer, a teacher. and an administrator.

  • East County
  • Schools
A sign at Selby Library announces the Sarasota History Day Contest.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2026
US history marches on, as does how it's taught in Manatee, Sarasota schools

Analysis is emphasized in classrooms as teachers follow the lead of state standards to engage students.

  • Spirit of America
Greg Sander, the new principal at Freedom Elementary School, is ready to build on the existing culture and traditions of the school.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Experienced Manatee County educator to lead Freedom Elementary School

Greg Sander has served in several roles in the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bradenton's JT White believes more focus needs to be put on human interaction rather than high use of technology.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 30, 2026
School board candidate wants better tools for students

The son of a principal, JT White wants the district to be fiscally responsible while providing more hands-on support for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's Camden Bedinghaus, 23, is running for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County school board to be a "voice for his generation."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 26, 2026
Lakewood Ranch 23-year-old wants to represent Gen Z on Manatee school board

Camden Bedinghaus created a "Cam Plan" to improve common sense academics, accountability and transparency, and mastery of real world skills.

  • East County
  • Schools
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Amanda Eyer, internal communications and community relations director at Boar’s Head and Amber Lee, senior director of programs at All Faiths Food Bank, stand in front of one of the new vans.
  • July 18, 2026
Boar's Head gifts two refrigerated vans to All Faiths Food Bank
2
From left to right: Avery Mathis, Charlie Mathis, Michael Mathis and Jessica Mathis grin at a badge pinning ceremony where Michael Mathis was promoted to sergeant of the Longboat Key Police Department.
  • July 17, 2026
Longboat police officer promoted to sergeant
3
Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment
  • July 17, 2026
Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment
4
Addison Gutowitz, 13, and Harriet Shore, 11, learn skills on electric guitar from 17-year-old Max Froemel in the guitar breakout session.
  • July 17, 2026
Campers come together at School of Rock Lakewood Ranch
5
The School District of Manatee County Bus Attendant Rolando Giz and Bus Driver Richard Dymond said community members need to be more mindful of passing buses, especially when the stop sign is out, as it puts the students at risk on busy roads.
  • July 17, 2026
Impressive team effort gets the students to school safely each day

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