Dr. Danielle Thomas Joins Florida School Boards Association to Support Legislative Goals

The School Board Workshop held on August 29, 2025, by the School District of Manatee County focused on significant legislative updates and the introduction of new personnel. The meeting highlighted the extensive nature of the recent legislative session, which was described as the longest in history, and addressed key issues affecting local schools.

Dr. Danielle Thomas, recently appointed to the district, shared her background and expressed enthusiasm for her new role. With nearly 14 years of experience as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher and a previous position with the Florida School Boards Association, Dr. Thomas is expected to bring valuable insights and support to the district's legislative goals.

The workshop also provided an overview of the legislative session, noting that 750 bills were filed just before the session began, contributing to a challenging environment for passing legislation. The discussion emphasized the importance of preparation for future sessions, as many unresolved issues are expected to resurface.

A key highlight was the increase in the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) and the Base Student Allocation (BSA), which are crucial for funding flexibility within the district. However, concerns were raised about how these increases may be offset by rising mandatory contributions to the Florida Retirement System (FRS), which could diminish the financial benefits for schools.

Significant legislative wins included new flexibility regarding school start times, allowing middle schools to start no earlier than 8 AM and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM by July 2026. This change aims to address concerns from families about the implications of later start times on childcare and student safety.

Additionally, updates on school safety regulations were discussed, with adjustments made to ensure both security and accessibility within school campuses. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among district leaders to navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities in education policy.

Overall, the workshop underscored the district's commitment to adapting to legislative changes while prioritizing the needs of students and families in Manatee County.