Newberry Community School: Enrollment Update, Bus Deal & Legal Settlement Approved
Newberry Community School (NCS) is moving forward with its planned August opening despite previous legal challenges, with the school board recently approving key contracts for transportation and settling outstanding legal fees with the Alachua County School Board (SBAC). As of Monday, February 23, 2026, enrollment stands at 427 students, signaling strong community support for the conversion charter school.
Enrollment Figures and Transition
The enrollment period for the 2026-27 school year opened on February 1, 2026. NCS, which is replacing Newberry Elementary School (NES), has secured 427 students, comprised of 77 kindergarteners, 91 first graders, 103 second graders, 89 third graders, and 67 fourth graders. Notably, 353 of the enrolled students are currently attending NES, demonstrating a high rate of continuity for existing students. According to a January 23rd press release, families with students already enrolled in NES were guaranteed a seat for the upcoming school year, provided they formally accepted the placement during the enrollment period.
Transportation Contract Awarded to Tomahawk Transportation
The NCS board unanimously approved entering into negotiations with Tomahawk Transportation, a Tallahassee-based bus rental company, to provide transportation services. The decision followed a request for proposal (RFP) process where Tomahawk emerged as the leading bidder after evaluation by Principal Lacy Roberts and Board Member Chuck Clemons. Tomahawk specializes in daily school bus route transportation, particularly for charter and private schools, but also offers services for field trips and other school-related events.
Daniel Bostick, president of Tomahawk Transportation, emphasized the company’s commitment to reliability and safety. Tomahawk will provide NCS with six buses – four primary and two reserve – to ensure service continuity in the event of mechanical issues. The city of Newberry has offered a fenced parking area close to the school for overnight bus storage.
Initial bus routes will likely mirror those currently used by Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS), with potential adjustments for efficiency. Tomahawk plans to hire four full-time drivers and one operations manager, prioritizing candidates familiar with the Newberry and Alachua County communities. The company aims to have all personnel fully trained and routes memorized six weeks before the start of the school year. The contract between NCS and Tomahawk is for two school years, 2026-27 and 2027-28, with a finalized agreement to be presented to the board for a vote at a later date.
Settlement Reached with Alachua County School Board
The board also unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the SBAC, resolving a dispute over legal fees incurred during the charter conversion process. Newberry Community School Inc. Initially filed a petition with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) on January 16, 2026, seeking $91,418.26 in attorney’s fees and costs related to the SBAC’s unsuccessful appeal of the Newberry Elementary School charter conversion. The NCSB ratified this filing on January 26, 2026.
The dispute stemmed from the SBAC’s decision to appeal the Florida Charter School Review Commission’s (CSRC) February 2025 approval of the charter conversion, a decision that was ultimately denied by the Charter School Appeal Commission in August 2025. Following an order from an Administrative Law Judge on January 21, 2026, requesting a response to NCS’s fee request, both parties engaged in settlement discussions. An extension of time was granted on February 6, 2026, to facilitate these negotiations.
the parties reached a settlement of $82,500, which NCSB Attorney Shawn Arnold deemed “reasonable.” This settlement brings closure to a contentious period for the school and allows it to focus on preparations for its inaugural year.
These developments indicate that Newberry Community School is progressing towards its August opening, having addressed key logistical and legal hurdles. The combination of strong enrollment numbers, a secured transportation contract, and a settled legal dispute positions the school for a successful launch.