May 1, 2014

The Honorable Rick Scott Governor, State of Florida The Capitol

MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott:

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners is asking for your help in eliminating, reducing or amortizing fines or penalties assessed to the Manatee County School District as the result of past financial failures and errors. The potential fines are based on audits conducted by the Florida Auditor General's office in 2013.

While we recognize the Manatee School District failed to meet state-mandated financial obligations in recent years under previous leaders who have been removed or resigned; we have been impressed with the direction and determination of the district's new leadership team to right the wrongs of the past and return the school district to a state of financial health and stability.

Following a nation-wide search, Rick W. Mills was sworn in as superintendent of Manatee District Schools on March 20, 2013. Prior to coming to Manatee County, Mr. Mills forged a successful 24-year career in the United States Army and served the last 13 years in leadership positions in the Chicago and Minneapolis Public School systems.

Mr. Mills methodically reorganized the leadership team of the school district, bringing in highly skilled professionals to oversee the district's operations, finances and academics. Mr. Mills also enlisted the help of a "Transition Team" of educational experts from across Florida that included former Seminole County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Vogel, Chief Financial Officer for the Florida Association of District School Superintendents James Messer, and former St. John's County School District Chief Financial Officer Conley Weiss.

Working closely with the Transition Team and the school board, Mr. Mills and his new leadership team produced a $21 million Fiscal Recovery Plan in the spring of 2013 designed to balance the Manatee District's budget this school year for the first time in three years, and provide a positive fund balance of more than $8 million. That is a remarkable turnaround for a school district that overspent its budget by more than $13 million the previous two years.

Board of County Commissioners Address: P. 0 . Box 1 000 Street Adcnss: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34206-1 000

WEB: Wlvw.mymanatee.org • PHONE: 941.745.3700 • FAX: 941.745-3790

LARR:V ~USTLE * MIC~E~ GALLEN * JOHN R. CHAPPl E * ROBIN DISABATINO * VANESSA BAUGH *CAROL WHITMORE * BETSY BENAC Dzstrict I Dzstrict 1 District J District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7

The Honorable Rick Scott

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May 1, 2014

Fines levied against the Manatee District this current school year - which could amount to as much or more than $10 million -would severely hinder the progress Mr. Mills and his new leadership team have made in reversing the Manatee District's financial trajectory.

In addition, the penalties would have a negative impact on the county's largest employer- the Manatee County School District- which employs more than 6,000 people from all walks of life. That negative impact would adversely affect every area of our county.

As a legislative body in Manatee County, we have been impressed with the energy, dedication and dogged determination exhibited by Mr. Mills and the school board to ensure that the Manatee School District is on the right road to financial recovery. The $21 million turnaround achieved in one year is a testament to their effectiveness.

We thank you for your careful consideration of this matter as we work together to improve the lives of the more than 46,000 students in the Manatee County School District.

Sincerely,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

~ Larry Bustle

Chairman

cc: Manatee County Legislative Delegation Commissioner Pam Stewart, Department of Education Rick Mills, Superintendent, Manatee County School Board Manatee Board of County Commissioners