The School District of Manatee County kicked off its annual workshop on August 29, 2025, with a strong focus on collaboration and advocacy, featuring key insights from Sunrise Consulting. During the meeting, Mister Chapman introduced the consulting team, highlighting their long-standing relationship with the district and their role in securing state appropriations.

Mister Chapman emphasized the importance of holding the workshop earlier in the year, moving it from its traditional November-December timeframe to August-September. This shift aims to enhance planning and resource allocation for the upcoming school year. He praised Sunrise Consulting, particularly Sean and Dr. Daniel Thomas, for their dedication and effectiveness in advocating for the district in Tallahassee.

Sean, a local advocate, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to the district, reminiscing about his connections with the school board members and the community. He noted the emotional significance of the gathering, reinforcing the strong ties between the consultants and the district.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to proactive engagement with state resources, ensuring that Manatee County schools continue to receive necessary funding despite broader challenges. As the workshop concluded, the focus remained on leveraging these relationships to benefit local education and support the needs of students and educators alike.