More than $2.5 million withheld from Manatee County schools since 2024 is headed back to classrooms, teacher paychecks, and athletic programs after county commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday, July 29, to reimburse the School District of Manatee County.

The money came from a voter-approved 1-mill property tax that Lakewood Ranch-area residents renewed in November 2024 by an 83% margin. That levy funds competitive teacher pay, STEM programs, arts education, school athletics, and safety measures across the district's 53,400-plus students.

"We are gracious that you are bringing this before the entire board, so that we can get that money back into the classrooms and to our teachers," School Board Chair Cindy Spray told commissioners at the July 29 meeting, where she highlighted the district's 90% graduation rate, according to WUSF.

The dispute began in 2024 when Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr.'s office started charging the school district administrative fees for collecting the voter-approved tax. For years, the county had absorbed those costs. The change diverted more than $2.5 million away from public education.

New state law prevents future disputes

A new state law now settles the question permanently. State Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, sponsored legislation requiring county commissions to pay tax collector commissions on school millage collections. Tax collectors can waive the fees entirely or charge county governments, but cannot charge school districts.

That law does not address money already withheld. The commission's separate reimbursement vote was necessary to recover the $2.5 million.

Commission Chairman Tal Siddique championed the reimbursement after reporting by Suncoast Searchlight highlighted the dispute. He said the funds would come from excess revenue returned by the tax collector's office to the county's general fund.

Not every commissioner was immediately on board. Bob McCann pointed to costs the county already covers for the district, including crossing guards and school security officers, and questioned whether the county should take on another education-related expense. George Kruse also questioned the funding source.

Both ultimately voted yes.

Superintendent Laurie Breslin said in a statement that the funding "means a great deal to our community" and will help the district build on last year's progress while creating opportunities for student success.

Siddique noted that if Amendment 3, a November ballot measure expanding Florida's homestead exemption, passes, the county may need to revisit its interlocal agreements with the school district covering expenses like crossing guards and security officers.

The district's final 2026-27 budget adoption vote is expected in September. Lakewood Ranch High School students return to class Monday, Aug. 10.