These meetings will explain the Proposed Maps for 2026-2027 Residential Attendance Zones. The content presented at all meetings will be tailored to each geographical area. One or more School Board members may be in attendance for informational purposes only.

The re-zoning map options will also be published on this page prior to the start of the meetings.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Braden River High
6:30-8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Palmetto High
6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High
6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Manatee High
6:00-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 31, 2025
Parrish Community High
9:30-11 a.m.

A series of five public meetings were held at high schools across Manatee County from March 3, 2025, through March 12, 2025, to explain the rezoning process, outline the criteria for establishing Residential Attendance Zones, and to provide an opportunity for public input. 

No rezoning decisions were made during these public meetings. They were specifically designed to help parents and residents learn how SDMC schools are planning to accommodate growth and to gather input into that process. The content presented by the District at each of the five meetings was the same.

For a summary of questions asked during the five meetings, please review the Frequently Asked Questions, as well as the Rezoning Timeline and Rezoning Fact Sheet.

2026-2027 Residential Attendance Zones were discussed during the School Board Workshop on February 14, 2025.

Agenda & Video | Presentation
Policy 5120.02 - Rezoning of Designated Residential Attendance Zones

A residential attendance zone is a geographical area defined by the school district within which students are assigned to attend a specific school.

The district is revising its attendance zones to address increasing student enrollment, balance the use of its facilities, and accommodate projected residential growth. Many schools are at or near capacity, and new schools and facilities require updated zoning to more evenly distribute students across the county and provide access to educational resources.

The district conducted a comprehensive review of student enrollment, use of our facilities, and projected growth. This review showed that current attendance zones do not adequately distribute our students. Future residential growth will further strain capacity at many of our schools.

New attendance zones will be developed based on:

• Student enrollment trends
• Capacity and utilization of school facilities
• Geographic proximity and neighborhood integrity
• Future residential development
• Transportation efficiency and safety
  
  

The district is committed to permitting students in their final year at a school to complete that year with no disruption in placement. More specific details will be determined later in the process.

Families can attend public meetings in March-May 2025, where several rezoning plans will be presented. The district will gather community feedback before finalizing a recommended plan for school board approval.

October 2024 – February 2025: Review of enrollment, facility use, and growth projections

February 14, 2025: School Board workshop to present findings

March 3-13, 2025: Initial public meetings for input

March-May 2025: Development and review of rezoning plans with additional public meetings

Summer 2025: Superintendent reviews public feedback and refines plans

September 2025: Superintendent recommends a proposed final new rezone map to the School Board for consideration

October 2025: School Board approves final new rezone map

School Year 2026/2027: New attendance zones take effect

The district will review and adjust transportation services as needed to align with the new attendance zones. The goal is to maintain efficient bus routes while ensuring student safety and minimizing travel time.

While school choice remains available, transportation constraints and overcapacity at certain schools mean that waitlists may remain in place for families selecting certain schools for their students. The new zoning plan will help to create more balance in capacity across district schools while ensuring fair access to a high-quality educational experience across the district.

Once the plan is approved, the district will communicate transition plans to families and update transportation routes. The new zones will take effect for the 2026-27 school year.

No. The construction of new and planned schools will be funded through existing, taxpayer-approved millage funds and developer contributions.

The district is considering the impact of a recently passed law that will require an adjustment of school start times in relation to the work of revising residential attendance zones due to transportation implications for school busing. This current legislation is under appeal at the state level.