BRADENTON — Nearly a month after the abrupt and controversial firing of Superintendent Jason Wysong, the Manatee County School Board has set a 10-week timeline to hire his replacement.
During a special meeting June 10, board members outlined the key dates for the district’s leadership search, with guidance from the Florida School Boards Association. Applications will open July 10 and close August 2, with interviews and public forums scheduled for the week of August 19. A final vote to select the new superintendent is expected on August 27.
The board will finalize job qualifications and search criteria during a June 25 workshop.
Wysong, who served less than a year in the role, was terminated without cause in a 4-1 vote on May 20 — a decision that drew immediate criticism from parents, educators and community leaders over the board’s lack of explanation. The Herald-Tribune editorial board has since called for answers and greater transparency, citing concerns about governance and public trust.
Those same concerns now hang over the search process. The district’s next steps may be closely scrutinized by residents still unsettled by Wysong’s sudden ouster.
While last week’s meeting focused on structure and scheduling, board members said the community will be invited to weigh in during the next phase. During the discussion, District 3 board member Charlie Kennedy expressed thoughts about the direction he wants the board to go as the search for another superintendent begins.
“I want us to take control of this search… but if there are board members that aren’t comfortable, I’m willing to wait until late August, early September. I want all five of us rowing in the same direction together.”
The FSBA will assist in recruiting and vetting candidates alongside independent consultant Bill Vogel.
Vogel is no stranger to the Manatee County school district (or Sarasota County Schools) during times of transition. Vogel has been a part of a handful of superintendent searches and district restructures in both counties.
In 2013, Vogel filled the role of Manatee County’s interim schools superintendent for a month he served as interim superintendent. In 2020, Vogel led the search for the new superintendent of Sarasota County Schools following the resignation of former leader Todd Bowden.
More details about candidate qualifications and public input opportunities are expected in the coming weeks.
Samantha Gholar reports on social justice, education, and wellness for USA Today Network-Florida. Outside the newsroom, she’s either leading Pilates sessions or chasing stories across the globe—always in search of meaning, movement, and culture. Email her at sgholar@gannett.com to connect about stories, share tips, or pitches.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee board launches 10-week superintendent search after firing Jason Wysong
Reporting by Samantha Gholar, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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