District seeking citizen input in legislative process

The Manatee County School District is combining its efforts to educate Manatee County’s youth about democracy with an effort to see more families lobby on behalf of education.

The school district hosted a town hall-style meeting titled “Legislative 101” last night at Braden River High School. More than 100 people attended.

Superintendent Tim McGonegal said the evening, which featured keynote speaker NFL star Henry Lawrence, among others, was aimed to meet objectives and mandates spelled out in the district’s strategic plan for educating students, but that it also served as a springboard from which parents and students can learn to participate more effectively in the legislative process.

“We want them to have their voice heard, whether its for us or against us,” McGonegal said. “We can’t take a political stance, but we can advocate for education. We can provide (parents and students) with information.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].