Manatee County voters choose two new School Board members. See Election Day results

Manatee County voters chose Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy as the newest School Board members in Tuesday’s general election.

In the School Board’s District 1 race, Felton won 28,431 votes, beating Mark Stanoch by 7,450 votes or 15%, according to unofficial results posted by the Supervisor of Elections Office Tuesday evening.

Felton will replace outgoing School Board member Gina Messenger, who has represented parts of Ellenton, East Bradenton and Parrish since 2016.

Felton, a former teacher, said she promised to raise teacher salaries, help parents find services for their children and promote career programs.

Stanoch, a former tech executive, said he promised to improve reading scores, keep an eye on school construction and promote public schools.

Felton raised over $17,000 in campaign finance funds, while Stanoch raised over $50,000, according to public records.

Felton, Kennedy win Manatee School Board races

In the School Board’s District 3 race, Kennedy won 20,999 votes, beating Lynch by 5,480 votes or 15%, according to unofficial results posted by the Supervisor of Elections Office Tuesday evening.

Kennedy will replace outgoing School Board member Mary Foreman, who has represented parts of Palmetto, Bradenton and Cortez since 2020.

Kennedy, a teacher and former School Board member, said he promised to improve the district’s “B” grade, pay attention to school construction and maintain the district’s financial health.

Lynch, a business owner, said he promised to keep teacher pay competitive, expand vocational programs and avoid drama at School Board meetings.

Kennedy raised over $20,000 in campaign finance funds, while Lynch raised over $40,000, according to public records.

Felton and Kennedy will serve on the School Board for the next four years.

This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 9:22 PM.