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Schools

Fourth graders Lelia Rodriguez, Catalina Poole, Emily Topping and Molly Jae work collaboratively on an assignment. Each of them went to a different elementary school before attending Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 5, 2022
School overcrowding eases slightly with charter academy opening

The opening of Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy slightly lessens the enrollment load at other local schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County continues to have a bus driver shortage as the school year begins. The district has 106 drivers for its 104 routes. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 24, 2022
Manatee School District addresses bus driver shortage and bus upgrades

During the driver shortage, Myakka teachers have volunteered to learn to operate a bus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Riverwalk's Richard Tatem shakes hands with Steve Vernon, the chair of the Manatee County Republican Party, as Vernon congratulates him on his win. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 23, 2022
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Tatem elected to Manatee School Board District 5

Every vote counted for Richard Tatem as his 50.5% makes him the District 5 representative without the need for a run-off.

  • East County
  • Schools
School Board member Bridget Ziegler snaps a selfie with supporters at an election-night celebration Tuesday.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 23, 2022
Ziegler leads Sarasota School Board sweep

The slate of three candidates drew support of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River Middle Principal Kimberlain Zenon-Richardson hopes the new school uniforms will boost school spirit, including eighth graders Donovan Plakyda, Bradyn Bobbitt, Esmeralda Pena and Camryn Kolbe. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 20, 2022
Braden River Middle searches for unity in uniforms

The Bradenton school switches for the first time to a uniform policy, with general approval from parents.

  • East County
  • Schools
Brandon Thrift created the artistic crosswalk for the Community Day School. (Courtesy photo Karina Herrera)
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 17, 2022
Local artist paints 3D crosswalk for Community Day School

Brandon Thrift, known for the "Spread Love" art around town, created a 3D crosswalk for the school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ethan Conner, a Freedom Elementary School fourth grader, works with Melanie Stern, a Project TEACH volunteer. More Freedom Elementary students will be able to participate in Project TEACH once an addition is built. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 16, 2022
Manatee School Board considers borrowing more money for capital projects

Inflation leads the School District of Manatee County to plot a borrow-and-build-now strategy.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2022
Sarasota County Schools sets clear bag policy for athletic events

Small purses are allowed, along with transparent larger carrying bags.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
School administrators Bradley Warren and Cheryl Cendan spent a lot of time inside the Starbucks and Panera cafes meeting with hundreds of Lakewood Ranch parents. Cendan shows the school’s mascot — an eagle. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 14, 2022
New charter school opens for Lakewood Ranch students

Enthusiasm soars for Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, a charter school built on the WISH model, which stands for wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, looks forward to ensuring the safety of students, expanding programming and addressing growth in the county. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2022
Manatee superintendent focuses on progress in the new school year

From academics to programming and construction, Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders says she looks forward to a new school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Voters will be able to choose from six candidates for school board seats Aug. 23 (File photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2022
Sarasota County School Board candidates hope to keep focus on education

The candidates say they plan to gain parent trust and decrease political discussion among the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2022
Lakewood Ranch-area families say hello to a new school year

Braden River and Gilbert W. McNeal elementary schools are among those celebrating their opening days on Aug. 10.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 10, 2022
Sarasota students return for 2022-23 school year

Alta Vista Elementary School parents and students were up bright and early for the first day of school on Aug. 10.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Maggie Sharrer, the wellness coordinator and Hope teacher, is thrilled to share with students how to be happy and healthy people. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy ready to open for its first year

The newest school in Lakewood Ranch promises to offer education amplified.

  • East County
  • Schools
GreyHawk Landing's Kristen Barnhardt looks forward to a new school year for her sons Mason Barnhardt, who is a kindergartner, and Parker Barnhardt, who is a second grader, with Principal Chuck Fradley. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2022
Rowlett Academy families look forward to a new school year

East County is among the parents who get an introduction to the 2022-23 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
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