Suncoast Searchlight

Most Suncoast Lawmakers Quiet as Charter School Expansion Fuels Local Upheaval

The same lawmakers who voted earlier this year to let charter schools move into underused public campuses have stayed quiet as a Miami-based charter operator’s early push to occupy local schools set off confusion and concern among parents and educators.

10/20/2025 By McKenna Oxenden/Suncoast Searchlight and Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

‘Hostile Takeover’: Charter Operator Files to Occupy Three Sarasota Schools

In three nearly identical two-page notices, the charter school laid out plans for takeovers at Brookside Middle, Emma E. Booker Elementary School and Oak Park School, a K-12 campus that serves students with disabilities.

10/09/2025 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight, Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight, and Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Seeding Knowledge

Sarasota County Schools Has Launched Its Newest Education Initiative: a Working Farm

The $8 million agricultural complex sits on 39.1 acres next to McIntosh Middle School, where county students can get down and dirty while learning about agriculture.

09/18/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Creative and Candid

Actress Heather Graham Shares Candid Insights on Filmmaking, Perseverance and Female Representation

The "Boogie Nights" actress talked with students and film lovers about the creative grind, industry challenges and the personal journey behind her latest film, "Chosen Family."

02/25/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Education

Sarasota, Manatee County School Districts Announce Reopening Plans

Sarasota County schools will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Manatee County schools will reopen tomorrow, Oct. 15.

10/14/2024 By Staff

Weather

Sarasota County Schools to Close From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 Due to Tropical Storm Helene

Manatee County schools, Ringling College and New College also announced closures.

09/24/2024 By Staff

A Place to Grow

How Sarasota's Cyesis Program Helps Teen Parents Stay in School

“Cyesis was built to wrap expectant and parenting teens with the support they need most,” says program director Meredith Piazza.

09/01/2024 By Stephanie Churn Lubow

See Change

The SEE Alliance Is Working to Mobilize Florida's Young Voters

'The movement that is growing within Gen Z in Florida right now is monumental, unique to circumstance and cannot easily be recreated or reinvigorated later on,' says SEE Alliance founder Zander Moricz.

08/19/2024 By Elizabeth Djinis

Education

Evacuation Centers Close in Sarasota County, Schools Plan to Reopen Tomorrow

Sarasota County schools serving as Idalia evacuation centers have closed and are prepping for school reopening tomorrow. The School District of Manatee County is still determining its reopening date.

08/30/2023 By Staff

Hurricanes

Sarasota, Manatee County Schools to Close Ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

The tropical storm is forecast to become a major hurricane that could pose threats to our region.

08/28/2023 By Staff

Q & A

An In-Depth Conversation With Terrence Connor, Sarasota County Schools' New Superintendent

"Sarasota has challenges, like all districts, but it has so many things to be proud of, too. It's a great place to raise a family and the schools are great."

06/21/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Education

Sarasota County Schools Hires New Superintendent

The board voted 3-2 to appoint Terrence Connor to the job. He is currently deputy superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools.

06/14/2023 By Staff

No Go

School Board Rejects Proposal for Consultant Review

School board members voted 3-2 to not move forward with a contract with Vermilion Education, a fledgling company with conservative political ties.

04/19/2023 By Kim Doleatto

From the Editor

The Freedom to Read

Fear will drive good teachers out of the school system and undermine people’s trust in public education.

03/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Education

Sarasota County Schools Appoints Interim Superintendent

Dr. Allison Foster is currently the district's executive director of human resources and labor relations.

02/08/2023 By Staff

Politics

The Sarasota County School Board Votes Out Superintendent Brennan Asplen

At last night's meeting, board members voted 4-1 to move forward with a separation agreement with Asplen.

12/14/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Education

The Sarasota County School Board Wants Superintendent Brennan Asplen Gone

At a special meeting on Tuesday, members voted 4-1 to begin negotiations with Asplen for his resignation.

11/30/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Breaking

Riverview High Lockdown Suspected to Be Part of Statewide Hoax

Across Florida, multiple schools were searched by law enforcement after false claims about active shooters on campus.

10/11/2022 By Isaac Eger

Back to school

Sarasota County Schools Announce Post-Ian Reopening Plans

The reopening will happen in two parts, the county school board said at a press conference today.

10/04/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Hurricane Ian

Sarasota Schools Closed 'Indefinitely' Due to Hurricane Ian Damage

The county has also announced a group of donation sites where the community can contribute to those in need.

10/02/2022 By Megan McDonald