BRADENTON, Fla. — The final public meeting about school boundary changes in Manatee County is scheduled for Wednesday night at Southeast High School.

The school district has held a series of public meetings addressing overcrowded schools due to explosive growth in the past few years.

According to the district, the student population in Manatee tops 56,000 students with an increase of 5,000 students since 2020.

What You Need To Know

  • Manatee County school district currently has 16 schools at or over capacity 

  • Student enrollment has increased by 5,000 students since 2022

  • Boundary changes would impact some students more than others

  • Any changes made to the school boundaries map wouldn't go into effect until the 2026-27 school year 

  • Manatee County Schools

School Board District 5’s Richard Tatem said due to rapid growth and three to four new schools opening in the coming five years, a total school boundary redraw is needed.

“The neighborhoods are being built,” Tatum said. “The county commissioners have approved the plans and the houses are going up, and so we want to have the schools in place so they are ready to go when the students show up. 

“We don’t want to have overcrowded schools with a bunch of portables trailers out back. That’s not optimal for the kids for their learning environment, so we are trying to get ahead of the game.”

It has been years since Manatee County did a total redraw of its school boundary map.

Like in neighboring counties, the redraw will impact some students more than others.

Currently, 14 schools in Manatee County are at or over capacity.

Some of the biggest boundary map changes could impact students at Harvey Elementary School, Sugg Middle School and Parrish Community High School.

Wednesday’s public meeting runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.