We, the undersigned residents of Harrison Ranch, urge the decision-makers to preserve our children’s enrollment at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School. Our neighborhood is deeply invested in the school and its community and zoning us out of this school would fracture the bond we have built together.

This is not just a school for our children—it is a cornerstone of our neighborhood. Families here have been instrumental in supporting the school and creating a nurturing environment for all students. We volunteer in classrooms, sign up for school events, accompany students on field trips, raise funds for programs, and mentor students. On Halloween, we sit in our driveways with books, candy, and popcorn, excited to see so many faces, young and old, coming together. We are excited about the incoming Harvey Shark signs for new kindergarteners. We take pride in fostering a deep love and care for our children. Amidst the growing challenges of overpopulation, traffic, and threats to our natural preserves, we continue to hold onto hope and foster a sense of unity. Our efforts make Harvey more than a school—it’s a family.

When the opportunity for a new school arose, many of us eagerly waited for its opening, seeing it as an anchor for our neighborhood. Now, faced with the possibility of losing this vital connection, we ask you to consider the families who have invested so much in this community and its school.

We respectfully request the following:

1. Keep Harrison Ranch zoned for Barbara A. Harvey.
2. If this is not possible, grandfather in the families already enrolled so they can complete their education at Barbara A. Harvey.
3. For families willing to provide their own transportation, allow them the option to drive the four miles to Barbara A. Harvey to continue their children’s education there.

This issue is more than zoning; it’s about maintaining the bond between our families and the school while balancing the growth of new developments with the values of our area. We ask that you prioritize what is best for the families over external interests. Schools are not commodities for developers; they are vital institutions for communities. Together, let’s protect this cherished community and its future.

Now is the moment to make our voices heard. The Manatee County School Board is in the process of making crucial rezoning decisions that will impact our community. It's essential that we share our opinions without delay!

Join us in signing this petition to show your support for our Harrison Ranch families and their continued connection to Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School.