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MANATEE COUNTY (SNN TV) – Following 34 years as a teacher, principal, administrator, and the last five as superintendent of Manatee County Schools, Cynthia Saunders retires.

Friday was her last day. She has been credited with driving much of the district’s improvement, moving up to 33 in state rankings during her time as a curriculum administrator.

However, Saunders’ time was not all peaches and cream. She was reprimanded by the Florida Department of Education for her role in a graduation rate inflation scheme.

Saunders signed a settlement with the DOE and agreed to pay a $2,000 fine.