The School Board Workshop held on May 23, 2025, by the School District of Manatee County focused primarily on the contentious issue of funding for charter schools. The meeting began with procedural announcements, including guidelines for public comments, which were limited to three minutes per speaker without direct responses from board members.

The first speaker, Danielle Hartley, addressed the board regarding the exclusion of charter schools from the half-cent sales tax revenue, which she argued was promised to benefit all public school students when the tax was approved in 2016. Hartley emphasized that the decision to withhold funds from charter schools has eroded trust within the community and urged the board to rectify this by allocating the promised funds.

Following Hartley, Chuck Fradley, a long-time educator and principal, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the importance of collaboration between district and charter schools. He criticized the board's previous decision to stop additional funding for charter schools and called for a reevaluation of this stance, emphasizing the growing number of students attending charter schools in the county.

Addison Hartley, a tenth grader, passionately advocated for charter school funding, arguing that denying funding to charter schools affects a significant portion of students in Manatee County. She expressed her belief that all students deserve equal funding and urged the board to act in accordance with the values taught in schools.

Chrissa Mayer shared her personal experiences with the Florida education system, contrasting it with her previous schooling in New Jersey. She expressed her disappointment that her tax contributions were not supporting her child's education at a charter school, reiterating the need for equitable funding.

The final speaker, Anne Wilson, praised the opportunities provided by charter schools, sharing success stories of students who benefited from their education. She emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse educational options to foster student success.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over charter school funding in Manatee County, with multiple speakers calling for the board to honor past commitments and ensure equitable funding for all students. The board's next steps regarding this issue remain to be seen, as community members continue to advocate for change.