Lakewood Ranch High School posted a 97% graduation rate as the School Board of Manatee County approved a new direction for the district. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the board approved a three-year strategic plan that shifts the focus from building new campuses to strengthening academics, retaining teachers and investing in existing facilities.

The plan succeeds “Ready 2026,” a four-year strategy developed during rapid enrollment growth that concluded in June. It takes effect immediately and runs through June 2029.

Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman outlined the plan’s priorities at Lakewood Ranch High School ahead of the vote, according to Pulse of Manatee. The plan centers on four areas: academics, capital investment, employee recruitment and retention, and financial stability.

Chapman said enrollment has stabilized and the school system now has sufficient capacity across its 56 campuses, allowing the pivot from construction to maintenance and renovation. The district expanded to 56 schools this year after adding two new campuses.

The shift comes after one of the district’s strongest academic years. Manatee County recorded a 90% graduation rate for 2025-26, the highest in district history, according to Your Observer. Lakewood Ranch High and Parrish Community High tied for the top mark at 97%. The district also had more A- and B-rated schools than ever before.

Superintendent Laurie Breslin told Your Observer on Aug. 25: “It’s not about getting a quick win, it’s about creating a system that students continue to thrive in and our staff continues to have the support that they need.”

On the staffing front, the district reported about 15 teacher vacancies among roughly 7,000 employees as the school year began. Chapman described that as the district’s strongest staffing position heading into a school year. The plan aims to retain educators the district has attracted from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

Capital spending under the new plan will go toward maintaining and improving existing schools rather than constructing new ones. Career and technical education, including programs at Manatee Technical College, remains part of the strategy.

Development of the plan began in January and included input from parents, teachers, principals, district employees, community members and business leaders.

The school board’s next workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1. Its next regular meeting, to approve final 2026-27 millage rates and the budget, is set for Tuesday, Sept. 8.