School board authorizes legal appeal after state panel approves Newberry conversion application

The Alachua County School Board voted unanimously on March 12 to authorize the superintendent and legal counsel to file an appeal with the State Board of Education challenging the Charter School Review Commission's approval of the Newberry Community School conversion application.

Background: District staff earlier informed the board that a November 26, 2024 vote on a conversion had been recorded by the district as a failure, and that Education First Newberry had not filed a formal contest of that vote within the 30-day period. Nevertheless, on Feb. 26 the newly constituted state Charter School Review Commission voted to approve Newberry's conversion application; the commission said it did not interpret statutory voting thresholds when it accepted the application.

Why the board acted: Board members and several community speakers said the district-declared vote result and the established process required further review. Boardmember Miss Surdon moved that the district "authorize the superintendent and legal counsel to file an appeal with the State Board of Education regarding the approval of the Newberry Charter School application and to explore all available legal actions to challenge this approval." The motion was seconded by Mr. Vu and carried 4–0.

Public input: Dozens of parents, teachers and local residents urged the board to challenge the conversion. Speakers noted that only 49 parents in the affected attendance area voted in favor of conversion and said the charter proponents had not used the established contest process within the statutory 30-day window. Community members argued the conversion would remove a neighborhood public school and harm students with special needs who rely on district services.

Legal and procedural questions: Board attorney and staff said the statutory rules and the Charter School Review Commission's procedures created an unclear path for a district appeal. Staff reported receiving a written decision from the commission shortly before the meeting; lawyers said they would study timing questions tied to the 30-day window and the commission's written notice. The district will pursue the appeal despite uncertainties about the process and possible litigation outcomes.

Next steps: The superintendent and district counsel were authorized to file an appeal and pursue legal options. District staff also said they would continue preparing a draft contract as part of contingency planning while the appeal proceeds.