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Schools

Fruitville Elementary kindergarten teacher Kari Johnson said she hopes to bring a positive environment to her students each day. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 4, 2021
Teacher of the Year values kindness, compassion

Fruitville Elementary kindergarten teacher Kari Johnson was named the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Dan Powers, along with Katie Powers, Robert Powers, Rebecca Powers, Cory Coyner, Shayleen Coyner and Scott Coyner, are the first to walk along the Mustang Memorial Walk.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2021
A walk to remember in Lakewood Ranch

Mustang Memorial Walk at Lakewood Ranch High School was dedicated in honor of boys who died in car accident.

  • East County
  • News
School zone signs have been replaced with school entrance signs, meaning cars no longer have to slow to 20 miles per hour when the yellow light flashes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2021
Confusion grips modified school zone in Lakewood Ranch

Modification of the school zone on S.R. 70 near Braden River Elementary School causes confusion.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 1, 2021
Kingsley retiring from Sarasota Schools

Assistant Superintendent Laura Kingsley will retire in June after 35 years with the district. The district also named Harriet Moore as the new Director of Equity and Innovation.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Every third grade teacher has made their new classroom their own. Joanne Sollazzo decorated hers with a cow theme. The teachers were able to move into the new addition over winter break.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
Teachers thrilled with Gene Witt addition

Eight classroom addition increases teaching opportunities at Gene Witt Elementary.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases for more School District of Manatee County employees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 26, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases

Salary increases are approved for more School District of Manatee County supervisors, administrators, administrators and managers.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 26, 2021
School board selects new legal counsel

Attorneys from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick will replace Art Hardy after more than 20 years as general counsel.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Superintendent Brennan Asplen said district staff is motivated to make the necessary changes.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
Sarasota Schools to take deeper look at special education evaluation

After Department of Education investigation, the district will focus on its evaluation process to determine which students need special education.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The district is trying to hire more talented teachers, such as Braden River High math teacher Glen Dallman, by increasing salaries for first-year teachers. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2021
Major increase for new teachers in Manatee County

School District of Manatee County raises starting teachers' salary to $51,630.

  • East County
  • News
Art Hardy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 19, 2021
School Board begins search for new general counsel

The current attorney, Art Hardy, will retire after nearly 30 years working for the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The coloring book features people of all races, ethnicities, abilities and body types.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 13, 2021
Nonprofits, students create diversity coloring book

The book features pages with different ethnicities, abilities, family structures and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Cell towers are incorporated in the lighting at Sarasota High School.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 13, 2021
School district hopes to improve revenue from cell towers

District leaders hope a third party can help boost revenue from district-owned cell towers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 13, 2021
Police investigate damaged road gates at Sarasota High

The motorist hit three access gates along School Avenue, costing an estimated $20,000 in damages.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Robert E. Willis Elementary second graders Aubri Darpino and Ella Baas are socially distant while working on assignments. Schools will continue to practice social distancing as part of COVID-19 mitigation measures. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 13, 2021
New protocols at Manatee schools

The School District of Manatee County changes COVID-19 protocols

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved salary increases for teachers and raises for paraprofessionals for the 2020-2021 school year during the board's meeting Jan. 12.Â
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 13, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases

School District of Manatee County increases starting teacher salary to $51,630.

  • East County
  • News
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