Manatee County plans to rezone some schools in effort to relieve overcrowding. Here's how you can weigh in
The Brief
The School District of Manatee County is holding public meetings to discuss new school construction and rezoning.
The changes come as the district has seen explosive growth in recent years.
BRADENTON, Fla. - The School District of Manatee County says changes are coming as growth leads to more crowded classrooms – and that could mean redrawing boundaries, in addition to building new schools.
District officials are giving parents a chance to weigh in on the changes and learn about the process in the coming days.
By the numbers
According to the district, 16 Manatee County schools are operating at or over capacity, with a total increase of about 5,000 students countywide since 2020.
School board documents also show the total student population far exceeded district estimates in 2024.
READ: Manatee County running out of time to prepare for 2025 hurricane season, experts say
Dig deeper
Several construction projects are underway to expand existing schools and build new ones, most of which will be located in northern and eastern portions of the county.
The plan to relieve overcrowding could also lead to rezoning in several areas, potentially upending school planning among parents who mapped out which elementary, middle and high schools their children would attend.
PREVIOUS:Manatee County schools works to build new schools, expand existing ones as more students enroll
What they're saying
"We love welcoming new families to the community and, at the same time, we have to meet our obligations to the communities who have been here for decades," Manatee County School Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong said last year.
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What's next
The district plans to open two K-8 schools in August 2025, two elementary schools in August 2026 and a high school in August 2027.
Officials are holding public meetings on rezoning over the next several days:
Wednesday, March 5: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, March 6: Palmetto High School
Friday, March 7: Lakewood Ranch High School
Wednesday, March 12: Southeast High School
All meetings are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
You can also submit your questions online by clicking here.
The Source
Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Mariah Harrison.
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