New Manatee Co. schools superintendent shares plans for this school year, future

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Manatee County School Board has selected Dr. Laurie Breslin as the county’s new superintendent.

Breslin has been employed with the school district for over 15 years — including her most recent role as the Executive Director of Student Support and Family Engagement.

Wednesday marked the start of a new era for the school district, with Breslin walking into her new office for the first time, one day after being selected for the superintendent role.

“It truly is, to me, a calling. I felt that once the position opened, there was a great opportunity to step in and fulfill my vision, which is to support every student in this district,” she said.

Breslin started her career in education 23 years ago as a P.E. teacher. She later taught English and reading in grades 6 through 12, and she has spent 17 years in Manatee County schools working in various positions.

“I think it’s most important to lean on our previous experiences as we move through the leadership spectrum,” she explained.

Breslin said her contract is expected to be finalized Sept. 9.

“The very first priority is rezoning to make sure that we have a solid plan in place and that we are completely transparent and factual with all of our community members,” she said.

She also noted that security is another priority. As for academics, literacy will be at the top of her list.

“Boosting literacy at all levels with a laser focus on ELA reading for grade three. We really believe that by supporting our littlest learners first, we will continue to see gains and achievement,” she said.

As Breslin prepares for this next step in her career, she said she’ll continue to put the families and students of the district first.

One addition the community can look forward to is a new SOAR Lab coming in September, which Breslin says will help strengthen literacy education for students.