Norfolk, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has decided to implement a consolidation plan due to declining enrollment. The plan includes the closure of up to ten schools over several years, beginning in 2027, to redirect savings into capital improvements for existing schools. Community meetings have been held to discuss potential impacts, and further engagement sessions are planned to gather feedback from stakeholders.
Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board has confirmed its decision to implement a consolidation plan for public schools in the city, responding to shrinking enrollment numbers that have prompted the need for significant changes. A formal vote on this consolidation plan is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.
During a recent board meeting, officials laid out a tentative plan that includes the closing and consolidation of nine schools over the next several years. Among the key proposals is the potential repurposing of Lindenwood Elementary into a professional development center. While Ghent School was not originally part of the closure discussions, it may face future redistricting as a result of the consolidation.
The plan outlines the intention to close one or two schools annually starting in 2027 and continuing through 2034. The Norfolk City Council has urged the school board to prepare an action plan for the closure and consolidation of ten schools ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. This consolidation effort aims to redirect savings into major capital improvement projects for existing schools, including Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools.
Current enrollment figures for Norfolk City Public Schools stand at approximately 26,000 students, significantly down from around 32,000 in the 2014-2015 school year. Projections indicate this number could decline to about 24,000 students by the next academic year. In light of these declining enrollment figures, the Norfolk City Council allocated $164.2 million to the school division for the current year, although this figure does not cover capital project costs.
A resolution passed by the council highlights the urgency of eliminating unneeded school buildings to prioritize financial savings and enhance educational quality. According to analyses conducted since 2013, the Norfolk school division has operated between three to seventeen more schools than necessary, based on the city’s population trends.
The planned consolidation could mark one of the largest school closing actions in the history of Virginia. City officials plan to consolidate four schools, while also planning to rebuild another four; however, increasing costs for these projects are raising concerns among stakeholders. For example, the costs for Maury High School have surged from an initial estimate of $150 million to $250 million.
A community meeting was held recently to discuss the potential impacts of these decisions on students and to collect feedback from parents and school staff regarding the consolidation plan. Many community members expressed concerns about the emotional effects of moving students to new schools and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of belonging.
Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl addressed these concerns by assuring stakeholders that there would be no cuts to contracted staff positions due to the consolidation changes. Staffing assessments will be conducted gradually, primarily through natural attrition. Additionally, further community engagement sessions are planned for August 9 to continue discussions on the upcoming consolidation plan.
As this consolidation plan develops, Norfolk City Public Schools will continue to engage with the community to address concerns while aiming to improve its educational offerings amid a changing demographic landscape.
FAQs
What will happen to the schools that are closed?
The closed schools may be repurposed for other educational or community uses, such as the proposed transformation of Lindenwood Elementary into a professional development center.
When will the consolidation take effect?
The plan is to begin closing one or two schools per year starting in 2027 through 2034.
How has enrollment changed over the years?
Current enrollment is approximately 26,000, a decrease from about 32,000 in the 2014-2015 school year, with projections estimating a drop to around 24,000 by next year.
What financial implications does the consolidation have?
The consolidation is intended to save money, enabling reinvestment into capital improvements for existing schools, despite rising costs for major projects.
How is the community being involved?
Community meetings are being held to discuss the consolidation impacts and gather input from parents, staff, and other stakeholders.
Chart: Key Features of the Norfolk School Consolidation Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | Consolidation of ten schools by 2034, including the closure of one or two schools per year starting in 2027. |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 26,000 students, projected to decline to 24,000 by next year. |
| Financial Plan | Redirecting savings into capital projects for existing schools, such as Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools. |
| Community Engagement | Community meetings and engagement sessions scheduled to gather feedback on the impacts of the consolidation plan. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WAVY News
- Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
- WTKR News
- Google Search: Norfolk School Board closures
- Virginia Mercury
- Google Scholar: Norfolk School closures
- 13 News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia education system
- WTKR News Sunrise Brief
- Google News: Norfolk public schools
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