Students and Zoning
Who gets to go to the schools?
It isn't nearly as clear cut as proponents would make it seem. According to the law (FS 1002.33) the School Board and Newberry city commission must mutually agree to re-draw the school zone every three years and set the capacity of the schools.
Because of the way the law is written, the first preference will be based on the existing school district, and therefore every student will be eligible. If applications exceed allotted student slots then it automatically becomes a lottery system. While the preferences listed below may still apply, the remainder of the seats will be subject to a lottery.
On the FL Department of Education FAQ for Charter Schools, under “Who is eligible to attend charter schools?” It states:
“Charter schools are open to all students residing within the district; however, charter schools are allowed to target students within specific age groups or grade levels, students considered at-risk of dropping out or failing, students wishing to enroll in a charter school-in-the-workplace or charter school-in-a-municipality, students residing within a reasonable distance of the school, students who meet reasonable academic, artistic or other eligibility standards established by the charter school, or students articulating from one charter school to another. Additionally, a charter school may give enrollment preference to the following student populations:
1) Siblings of current charter school students
2) Children of a charter school governing board member or employee
3) Children of employees of the business partner of a charter school-in-the-workplace or resident of the municipality in which such a charter is located
4) Children of residents of a municipality that operates a charter school-in-a-municipality
5) Students who have successfully completed a voluntary prekindergarten program provided by the charter school during the previous year
6) Children of an active-duty member of any branch of the US Armed Forces.
7) Students who attended or are assigned to failing schools”
This proposal could result in students who live close to NES, OVMS, or NHS being bused to a different school, while students from further away would be responsible for their own transportation to school.
Because of the way the law is written, the first preference will be based on the existing school district, and therefore every student will be eligible. If applications exceed allotted student slots then it automatically becomes a lottery system. While the preferences listed below may still apply, the remainder of the seats will be subject to a lottery.
On the FL Department of Education FAQ for Charter Schools, under “Who is eligible to attend charter schools?” It states:
“Charter schools are open to all students residing within the district; however, charter schools are allowed to target students within specific age groups or grade levels, students considered at-risk of dropping out or failing, students wishing to enroll in a charter school-in-the-workplace or charter school-in-a-municipality, students residing within a reasonable distance of the school, students who meet reasonable academic, artistic or other eligibility standards established by the charter school, or students articulating from one charter school to another. Additionally, a charter school may give enrollment preference to the following student populations:
1) Siblings of current charter school students
2) Children of a charter school governing board member or employee
3) Children of employees of the business partner of a charter school-in-the-workplace or resident of the municipality in which such a charter is located
4) Children of residents of a municipality that operates a charter school-in-a-municipality
5) Students who have successfully completed a voluntary prekindergarten program provided by the charter school during the previous year
6) Children of an active-duty member of any branch of the US Armed Forces.
7) Students who attended or are assigned to failing schools”
This proposal could result in students who live close to NES, OVMS, or NHS being bused to a different school, while students from further away would be responsible for their own transportation to school.
Will any students at the school now have to leave?
Maybe, many students could potentially be forced out of their school under the new structure. Enrollment is determined by the Newberry City Commission and future board members they select after the 3-5 years.
Those who don’t wish to be in the charter school system will need to travel to the next nearest school, which could be Gainesville. Transportation will need to be provided by Alachua County Public Schools, putting further strain on its transportation system.
Those who don’t wish to be in the charter school system will need to travel to the next nearest school, which could be Gainesville. Transportation will need to be provided by Alachua County Public Schools, putting further strain on its transportation system.
What happens when capacity is reached?
The boundaries are set in conjunction with the School District, so the charter school can't unilaterally shrink the boundaries. Kids within the city limits will not be guaranteed a spot until the boundaries are shrunk to be the same as the city limits
Will students have to apply and be accepted to the schools or will they get in automatically like with current public schools?
All students will need to apply. Even students living within the charter schools' boundaries will have to apply.
Will fifth graders return to Newberry Elementary from Oakview?
Maybe eventually. Just as the Alachua County Public School system is trying to make changes to crowding that will help 5th graders return to Newberry Elementary, city leaders say they also want that. But under the new district, leaders will have to make that decision at a later date.
Will students have to pay tuition to attend these schools?
No. Charter schools are legally not allowed to charge tuition or registration fees. (s.1002.33(9),F.S.)
What happens with Archer?
Students from the City of Archer might be eligible to attend Oakview Middle School and Newberry High School after leaving Archer Elementary School, just as other zoned areas can. There is no guarantee, however, that will happen. Zoning and eligibility will be determined by a governing board that is mostly controlled by the Newberry City Commission, along with their stated intention to reduce enrollment.
Will we be able to regulate class size?
By the proponents own admission, this plan will not address the overcrowding of schools for current students. Newberry already has the most overcrowded schools in Alachua County. Earlier this year, the school district dropped its rezoning plans that would have significantly reduced crowding in our schools to help with this issue, partly due to pushback of the plan from members of the Newberry City Commission.
The Newberry Mayor has floated the idea of removing portable classrooms, which the city will likely have to pay to lease, and could result in overcrowding classes even more.
Class size is measured by either individual class or school wide average. Schools of choice, which includes charter schools, may use the school wide average approach. Therefore, most school districts and most charter schools alike use the school wide average for determining class size compliance.
The Newberry Mayor has floated the idea of removing portable classrooms, which the city will likely have to pay to lease, and could result in overcrowding classes even more.
Class size is measured by either individual class or school wide average. Schools of choice, which includes charter schools, may use the school wide average approach. Therefore, most school districts and most charter schools alike use the school wide average for determining class size compliance.
What about VPK and pre-K? Will that Continue? Who will fund that?
The city could potentially be forced to stop offering VPK and pre-K for young families due to unanticipated financial hardships.
Will the curriculum change?
Yes, students attending a charter school will no longer be required to adhere to the curriculum offered at Newberry schools under Alachua County Public Schools. It is unclear what will happen to the UFLI reading program, which has recently launched and is used around the country to help improve reading scores. Newberry has “B” schools, among the top in the county, but could see a shift under new leadership.
On the FL Department of Education FAQ for Charter Schools, under “Are charter schools exempt from state statutes?” it states: “charter schools are generally exempt from the Florida K-20 Education Code (Ch. 1000-1013, F.S.), except those statutes specifically applying to charter schools”
On the FL Department of Education FAQ for Charter Schools, under “Are charter schools exempt from state statutes?” it states: “charter schools are generally exempt from the Florida K-20 Education Code (Ch. 1000-1013, F.S.), except those statutes specifically applying to charter schools”
What rules and standards will the curriculum have to follow?
The new curriculum has yet to be announced or released and will be determined by a governing mostly controlled by the Newberry City Commission.
Will the students have to take the same amount of tests/assessments?
Just like students attending a district-run public school, charter schools students must take standardized state exams (like the FSA) and meet federal academic standards. It’s unclear what that test will be.