The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 9/8/26.
Chair Spray called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. She asked for a moment of silence for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. She then read the new District Purpose Statement for the first time: “The School District of Manatee County, grounded in the Portrait of a Graduate, develops every student for life, learning, and leadership, and prepares them to succeed and contribute to their community.” Mr. Tatem led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RJ lodged a formal complaint that Lincoln Memorial Academy (LMA) property was stolen. He expressed disappointment that the board and Charlie Kennedy did not respond after his last statement. He recounted the actions that led to the termination of LMA’s charter. He claimed the actions were an illegal takeover of the school. He had asked for all of the complaints that had been filed, and the district said there were none. He indicated he was making civil, criminal, and RICO complaints…