Norfolk Schools Review Plans for Closure and Consolidation

Norfolk is facing significant changes in its educational landscape as the Norfolk School Board recently reviewed four draft plans for the potential closure and consolidation of ten schools due to declining enrollment. The discussion, held on Wednesday night, highlighted concerns over the sustainability of existing schools and the board’s responsibility to make effective decisions regarding educational resources.

Dr. James Pohl, the interim superintendent, emphasized that this process marks the beginning of a transformative period for the Norfolk education system. The four proposed options outline different methods for executing school closures and relocations, each reflecting the goal of optimizing school usage amid dwindling student numbers.

Option One suggests closing ten schools over the next few years, targeting buildings such as Ghent School, Tarrallton Elementary, and Willoughby Early Childhood Center. This proposal is seen as a straightforward approach to directly address decreasing enrollment figures, with the board anticipating a significant drop in the number of elementary-aged students by 2025.

Option Two allows for a cushion period, providing “gap years” to plan out the rebuilds of Jacox and Suburban Park Elementary Schools, ensuring that the transition can take place with community needs in mind. Meanwhile, Option Three proposes adjustments to the closure timeline specifically for Lindenwood and PB Young elementary schools, creating a more tailored approach to how educational facilities can be managed.

Option Four presents a different strategy, keeping Ghent School operational while recommended merging its student body with those from Lindenwood and Monroe Elementary Schools, as well as transferring PB Young students to Jacox Elementary. This option aims to minimize disruption to students while streamlining educational resources.

Enrollment Context

The board noted that enrollment figures for the 2022-2023 school year demonstrated a stark reality for some schools, with Lindenwood hosting 239 students and Monroe having 293 students, both falling short of their combined maximum capacity. This underscores the urgency behind the proposed changes, as the district continues to operate many nearly empty classrooms, leading to potential cost savings of up to $20 million annually had closures happened sooner.

An important aspect of these proposals involves the future of Maury High School, which is set to undergo rebuilding—work expected to start this school year or the next. Other schools identified for renovation or rebuilding include Sewells Point Elementary, while five schools may undergo repurposing, including Oceanair and St. Helena, as part of a broader strategy set by the City Council. The Council’s mandate requires the closure of at least two schools per year until excess capacity issues are resolved, with this process needing to start before the 2026-2027 school year.

Community Input and Next Steps

Despite the plans being on the table, the school board opted to postpone voting on these proposals to allow for further discussion. Board member Alfreda Thomas expressed the desire for an alternative plan, reflecting the concerns of parents and community members who have voiced apprehensions about the lack of community engagement in operational decisions. To facilitate this dialogue, community engagement sessions have been planned, allowing residents to provide input on the proposed closures and consolidations.

Overall, the consolidation and closure proposals aim to address a long-standing issue regarding enrollment declines, which have been evident since 2015, creating a pressing need for the Norfolk School Board to reevaluate its educational infrastructure.