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2026-2027 Residential Attendance Zones
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School Board Workshop - February 14, 2025
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
Public Meetings - March 3, 2025 through March 12, 2025
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a residential attendance zone?
A residential attendance zone is a geographical area defined by the school district within which students are assigned to attend a specific school.
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Why is the district revising residential attendance zones?
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.
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How was the need for rezoning determined?
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.
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What criteria will be used to develop new attendance zones?
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
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Will students be able to remain at their current school?
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.
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How can families provide input on the rezoning 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.
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What is the timeline for the rezoning process?
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
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Will transportation services be affected?
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.
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How will this impact school choice options?
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.
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What happens after the School Board adopts the final plan?
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.
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Will Manatee County taxpayers need to increase funding to be able to afford the new schools under construction and planned for the immediate future?
No. The construction of new and planned schools will be funded through existing, taxpayer-approved millage funds and developer contributions.
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Is the district considering a proposal for adjusting school start times in conjunction with the revising residential attendance zones process?
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.
