Manatee County schools consider boundary changes

The Manatee County school district is grappling with an increase in student enrollment, which has surged by 5,000 since 2020, leading to overcrowding in 16 schools. In response, the district has organized a series of public meetings, with the final one scheduled for Wednesday night at Southeast High School. Richard Tatem, representing School Board District 5, emphasized the urgency for a complete redraw of school boundaries to accommodate ongoing residential development. He stated, “We don’t want to have overcrowded schools with a bunch of portables trailers out back,” underscoring the importance of creating a conducive learning environment. The proposed boundary changes are expected to impact students differently, particularly those attending Harvey Elementary School, Sugg Middle School, and Parrish Community High School.

Feedback from the community will be considered before any decisions are finalized. Notably, the changes will not be implemented until the 2026-27 school year, providing time for adjustment. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the school infrastructure aligns with the growing population of students in Manatee County.