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NewsABC7 WWSBAugust 11, 2026Manatee

Manatee County School Board candidates participate in District 2 and District 5 forums

Candidates for the Manatee County School Board District 2 and District 5 seats participated in two nonpartisan forums held on July 29. The events provided a platform for the eight candidates to address education and district-related issues ahead of the upcoming election.

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Read the full story at ABC7 WWSB

Why It Matters

Residents in s 2 and 5 will vote on August 18 to determine who represents them on the school board, which oversees district policy and education priorities.

Key Facts

  • Eight candidates are competing for two seats on the Manatee County School Board.
  • The forums were held on July 29 at the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto.
  • The election for District 2 and District 5 seats is scheduled for August 18.
  • The forums were nonpartisan and moderated by Summer Smith of ABC7.
  • Candidates were given equal time to answer questions regarding education and district issues.

Who's Mentioned

personCamden Bedinghaus“District 5 candidate.”personRev. James T. Golden“District 2 candidate.”organizationManatee County School Board“The governing body for the school district.”personCindy Spray“District 2 candidate and current board chair.”organizationManatee County Charter Schools Consortium“Host of the candidate forums.”personSharon Jefferson“District 2 candidate.”locationManatee School for the Arts“Venue for the forums.”personChantal Wilford“District 5 candidate.”organizationManatee County Supervisor of Elections“Resource for polling locations and ballots.”personMargi Nanney“District 2 candidate.”personJ.T. White“District 2 candidate.”personDr. Jonathan Mullis“District 5 candidate.”personSummer Smith“Forum moderator.”