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MANATEE – After two weeks of schools being open, the Manatee County School District has a clearer picture of the true impact of COVID-19 on enrollment.

1,547 fewer students are attending Manatee County schools than the district had forecast, with the biggest decreases being among elementary school-aged children.

A school district employee tells the Herald Tribune the district had left roughly 170 teaching positions unfilled since the pandemic began last spring. The decreased in enrollment will mean less money for the district.

Sarasota and Charlotte County schools are set to begin classes Mon. August 31st.