Newberry School Board deliberates on converting middle and high schools

The recent mayoral debate held in Newberry, Florida, on March 26, 2025, focused heavily on the future of local education, particularly the potential conversion of middle and high schools to public charter schools. Candidates discussed the implications of these changes and the community's sentiments surrounding them.

One candidate emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's needs, noting that regardless of differing opinions, everyone shares a common goal of wanting the best for their kids. The candidate highlighted the current governance structure involving both the Newberry School Board and the Alachua County School Board, indicating that collaboration between the two will be essential moving forward.

When asked about supporting the conversion of middle and high schools, the candidate expressed a cautious approach. They suggested waiting at least two years to evaluate the recent conversion of the elementary school to a public charter. The candidate argued that testing the waters with one school first would provide valuable insights before making broader changes. They acknowledged the community's past struggles during the elementary school conversion, which had caused division among residents.

The candidate also mentioned the importance of ensuring that the school board meets its commitments, such as providing teacher raises and maintaining budgetary discipline. They indicated that if the elementary school conversion proves successful and the community expresses interest, they would be open to supporting further conversions in the future.

Overall, the debate underscored the community's desire for effective educational solutions while highlighting the need for careful consideration and community involvement in decision-making processes.