In a charged atmosphere at the School Board Workshop on May 23, 2025, voices echoed the sentiments of many in Manatee County, advocating for equitable funding for charter schools. The meeting, attended by educators, parents, and community leaders, highlighted a long-standing debate over the distribution of sales tax revenues intended for public education.

Dr. Bill Jones, a prominent figure in the local education community and president of Renaissance Arts and Education, opened the discussion with a passionate plea. He recounted past struggles to ensure that charter schools received their fair share of funding, emphasizing that the original intent of the 2016 sales tax referendum was to benefit all students in Manatee County, not just those in district-operated schools. “It’s not about some clause that a superintendent slipped into the resolution nearly 10 years ago,” he stated, urging the board to reconsider its approach to funding distribution.

The meeting saw a series of heartfelt testimonies from educators and students alike. Jacob Durrance, a veteran educator, underscored the importance of school choice, noting that Manatee County ranks among the top in Florida for charter school enrollment. He argued that equitable funding is crucial for maintaining accountability and improving educational outcomes across the board. “Not sharing the sales tax with charter students is a direct blow to parent choice,” he asserted, calling for the board to rectify what he described as a significant oversight.

Ryan Murphy, a principal at a local charter school, echoed these sentiments, sharing personal stories of students who thrive in charter environments. He emphasized the need for fairness in funding, stating that all students deserve equal educational opportunities regardless of their school type. “It’s about school choice,” he said, highlighting the diverse needs of families in the community.

Gabriela Cortez Alban, a recent graduate and advocate for charter education, passionately articulated how her experiences in a charter school shaped her success. She urged the board to recognize the vital role that equitable funding plays in providing opportunities for all students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. “How do you expect students to give back to their community if their community has not given back to them first?” she asked, framing the issue as one of social equity.

As the meeting progressed, the board members listened intently, with many acknowledging the emotional weight of the testimonies. The discussions reflected a community grappling with the implications of funding decisions that affect thousands of students. The call for action was clear: stakeholders urged the board to ensure that future funding distributions honor the original intent of the sales tax referendum, fostering an inclusive educational environment for every child in Manatee County.

The workshop concluded with a sense of urgency and hope, as community members left the meeting with a renewed commitment to advocate for equitable funding. The path forward remains uncertain, but the voices of those advocating for change resonate strongly, reminding the board of their responsibility to serve all students in the district.