BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — Numerous schools across Manatee and Sarasota counties could turn into charter institutions by the 2027-2028 school year, according to both districts.

The Manatee County schools are the Sara Scott Harllee Center and Lincoln Memorial Academy in Bradenton. The Sarasota County schools are Brookside Middle, Emma E. Booker Elementary, and Oak Park School.

"We knew there was always this possibility," said Jamie Carson with Manatee County Public Schools.

Districts were notified of the "intent to occupy" via letters sent by Mater Academy, a Miami-based charter school company. Mater Academy operates 44 charter schools (primarily on the East Coast of Florida) and many of their locations have specific focuses including STEM, entrepreneurship, and sports management, accordin

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