Manatee Parents Urged to Register Students Early

If a child is transferring to a school other than the one they attended previously, or if a student is new to the School District of Manatee County, they are required to register, according to Michael Barber, spokesperson for the School District of Manatee County.

The first day of school is Monday, August 19.

“It’s very important for parents to register their children early so our schools can have a good grasp on the number of students they will have this year,” Superintendent Rick Mills said in a press release. “Registering early helps limit the disruption of having to move teachers from one school to another after the school year begins.”

School districts across the state must determine enrollment prior to the first day to determine the number of teachers needed at each school, however, teachers often have to be reassigned during the first 10 days if that student projection is off.  The transfer of teachers is necessary to comply with the state’s Class-Size Amendment and to save taxpayer dollars by not over hiring, Barber said.

Traditionally each school year, a significant number of parents wait until the last minute, or register after the school year has already begun.

“Registering early can be a big help to our school district,” Mills said. “It will also lessen the chances of your child having to adjust to a new teacher after the school year begins.”