School District of Manatee County

This week, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the Quarter 4 recipient of the School District of Manatee County’s Good News Award of Excellence -- Principal Quantas Simmons from Harllee Center!

This award was created to recognize staff members who consistently shine a light on the positive, everyday moments happening in our schools and worksites.

From the start of his new role, the former longtime assistant principal of Palmetto High School has taken the initiative to share from programs such as Access to Education. From learning STEM to graduation day, stories shared by Mr. Simmons have received 6K+ views on social media.

The Good News Award of Excellence (pictured) also highlights the incredible talent of our District students. This trophy was designed and created by Braden River Middle School students, under the guidance of their technology teacher, Ms. Lindberg.

In addition to Mr. Simmons receiving a $100 Amazon gift card, the teacher whose students created the award did, too. Thanks to our partners at the Manatee Education Foundation. What a great year it has been! We're grateful for the support.

Congratulations to Veterans Elementary School Principal Laura Campbell, Southeast High Sehseminoles Asst. Principal Craig Page, and our Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Tiffany Spradling on completing the Florida Department of Education Chancellor’s Leadership Academy!

This year-long leadership journey provided powerful opportunities to learn alongside state leaders, visit schools in nearby counties, and bring back valuable strategies to strengthen teaching and learning in Manatee County classrooms.

What a year it’s been! Under the leadership of Dr. Laurie Breslin—a proud graduate of Manatee County public schools—we’ve Soar-ed and celebrated so much Good News, growth, and excellence in education.

To mark this milestone, she was presented with a special Award of Excellence designed by talented Braden River Middle School student Connor, who will begin 8th grade this August. Congratulations on your first year as Superintendent, Dr. Breslin!

Join our team of skilled medical professionals! We’re hiring RNs and LPNs (full-time and substitute positions) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Job Fair: June 11th, 4-6 p.m.
Wakeland Support Center
1812 27th St. E, Bradenton, FL 34208

RSVP today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hucFNeoFeEepTiFu5FjLNKBTfa8XY1pJk3P6LgY8iwVUMzZVWEJPTURNTzA3VEdNT0dHUkpFNFU0Uy4u

*Valid nursing license and CPR/First Aid/AED training are required.

On Thursday May 21, Manatee Elementary School celebrated its centennial with a special event held in the historic John J. Pelot building.

Former students, teachers, administrators, and community members joined current staff and students for a Centennial Gala recognizing a century of learning, growth, and service. The event honored the legacy of the Manatee Mustangs—“Once a Mustang, always a Mustang”—while reflecting on the enduring impact of the school’s traditions, people, and leadership.

As part of the celebration, the Rose B. Grimsley Media Center was formally rededicated in honor of Mrs. Grimsley, a deeply respected educator whose 36 years of service across five decades left a lasting impression on generations of students. Her daughter shared heartfelt remarks reflecting her mother’s passion and lifelong commitment to the Manatee Elementary community.

In addition, a newly planted magnolia tree was dedicated in memory of Mr. Ozell Ackerman, who served as principal from 1978 to 2000. This dedication followed the loss of the original tree during the 2024 hurricane season. The Ackerman family also participated in the rededication of the auditorium named in his honor, recognizing his exceptional leadership and lasting influence over more than a quarter of the school’s centennial history.

The event brought together multiple generations of Manatee Elementary School alumni, including retired educators who returned to serve, teachers who spent their entire careers at MES, and former students who have since returned as professionals in education. As Mrs. Erma Roberts reflected, “I’m filled with gratitude for the joy and challenge that goes with guiding students through such an important season of their young lives. It has been especially meaningful to teach the children of parents I once taught. Those moments remind me how lasting our work can be.”

Special thanks to SDMC Visual & Performing Arts educator Jahkori Dopwell Hall and STEAM teacher Stacy Goode for sharing this

Summertime from our partners at MEF and Manatee Arts Education Council. Learning and fun on full display! 🎨 🎭 😀

🏆 National recognition for some of Manatee County's brightest students!

On Wednesday, more than 2,500 recipients of National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities across the country were announced.

We're proud to share that three of those prestigious scholarship winners are graduates of Manatee County high schools! 👏

Kevin Chen
Probable career field: Chemical Engineering
Braden River High School

Richard M. Lay
Probable career field: Materials Engineering
Manatee High School

Benjamin Barr
Probable career field: Engineering
Palmetto High School

All three scholars earned the National Merit University of Florida Scholarships.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and academic excellence have earned you a place among the nation's best. 🌟

🌱 It takes a community! Volunteers of all ages rolled up their sleeves to help beautify the Harllee Support Center campus and Soar Lab.

🦋 Together, they planted a butterfly garden, added landscape enhancements, and created a welcoming outdoor space for students and families to enjoy.

From children to horticulture professionals, every helping hand made a difference and proved that many hands truly make light work.

A special thank you to the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Big Earth Landscape Supply for helping bring this project to life. ✨