Bradenton, FL -- After an appeal by the Manatee County School District, which was penalized for exceeding the class-size limitations set by the Florida Department of Education last year, the $,117,699 fine has been reduced to $257,794. The adjusted amount "limits the District’s exposure to the proposed penalty," according to Jim Drake, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services.

The County School Board press release goes on to explain the compliance plan which the district must deliver as part of the appeal:

As part of the appeal process, the Manatee District must file a plan to become compliant with the Class-Size Amendment during the next school year. Although the compliance plan is not due until February 15, 2011, district officials intend to file a compliance plan as early as next week. Once the compliance plan is submitted, it should further reduce the Manatee District’s penalty for non-compliance this year to a total of $64,488.50.

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida -- Twenty Manatee County teachers and one private school teacher were among the 206 educators across the District's 16-county region awarded Splash! school grants on Dec. 20 through the Southwest Florida Management District.

Mary Margaret Hull, lead communications coordinator, attributed the effectiveness of the grant program in Manatee County to the strong partnership with Manatee County Schools, which helped get the word out to teachers. Judy Griffin, Manatee County curriculum specialist, serves as the District’s liaison to teachers.

“These teachers are receiving a small amount of money but are able to accomplish so much,” Hull said in a statement. “Grant recipients also use the District’s collection of curriculum materials and other free educational resources.”