Norfolk, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has postponed its vote on a controversial plan to close nine schools amid community backlash. Over 30 residents voiced concerns during a recent meeting, leading the board to reconsider the decision in a special meeting scheduled for September 29. The consolidation plan, aimed at addressing declining enrollment and significant repair needs within the district, has met with substantial opposition from parents and community members, complicating the planning process as the board navigates financial constraints and public sentiment.
Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board has voted to delay its decision on a controversial school consolidation plan that would result in the closure of nine schools, initially scheduled for a vote on September 23. The board decided to hold a special meeting to reconsider the vote on September 29 at 5 p.m.
This decision came amid significant backlash from the local community, where over 30 residents expressed their concerns during the recent meeting, with at least 20 speakers advocating against the closures. Board member Ken Paulson was the only dissenting voice, opposing the delay and suggesting that the postponement was unnecessarily lengthy.
The consolidation plan, outlined by board members Tanya Bhasin and Jason Inge, was introduced on September 10, leading to widespread criticism for its last-minute nature. Key concerns included the repurposing of St. Helena Elementary School, which is proposed to merge with the Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center. Supporters of Ghent School vehemently voiced their desire to keep it open, while parents associated with Maury High School requested a relocation of Ghent’s programs to provide more space for athletic fields.
In a more controversial detail, the idea of replacing Ghent School with a massive 4,000-seat football stadium had been floated but was rejected by the Norfolk City Council in August. The push for school consolidations is partly driven by a steep decline in student enrollment in Norfolk schools, which also face over $900 million in repair needs, including $145 million considered urgent by education consultants.
The Norfolk City Council had previously instructed the School Board to develop a plan that would include the closure of at least 10 schools. Council member Tommy Smigiel, who also serves as the principal of Granby High School, urged the School Board to create a clear timeline for the proposed school closures. Critics pointed out that the previous consolidation proposal did not specify closure dates for all nine targeted schools, complicating the planning process.
Smigiel warned that if the School Board does not formulate an appropriate plan, the City Council may take control over how city funding is allocated to the school system. The proposed school closures include significant repurposing plans: Lake Taylor High School is set to become a career and technical education center, Chesterfield Academy is correlated with becoming a SECEP center, and Lindenwood Elementary is proposed for conversion into a district professional development center. The plan also includes the closure of Willoughby Early Childhood Center and Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center at the end of the current school year, with further closures planned following a redistricting process scheduled for the 2026-27 school year.
Future closures are projected for Tarrallton, Granby, P.B. Young, and Norview between the 2027 and 2031 school years, whereas the remaining schools are expected to close before the 2034 school year. The ongoing discussions around school consolidation underscore the challenges facing the Norfolk School Board as it navigates the community’s concerns and the pressing financial needs of the school district.
FAQ
- What is the Norfolk School Board planning to do?
- The Norfolk School Board is planning to consolidate schools and close nine facilities due to declining enrollment and significant repair needs, but has delayed the vote on this plan until September 29.
- Why was the vote delayed?
- The vote was delayed in response to community backlash, with many residents expressing concerns over the last-minute nature of the plan and specific closures.
- When is the special meeting to reconsider the vote?
- The special meeting is scheduled for September 29 at 5 p.m.
- What schools are planned for closure?
- The plan includes closing nine schools, including St. Helena Elementary, Willoughby Early Childhood Center, and Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center, among others, during a phased process that stretches over several years.
- What are the financial implications behind this plan?
- Norfolk schools are facing over $900 million in repair needs, including urgent refurbishment costs of $145 million, leading to the consolidation planning to manage budgetary constraints.
Key Features of the Consolidation Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Delay | Originally scheduled for September 23, postponed to September 29 |
| Community Feedback | Over 30 community members expressed concern; at least 20 speakers opposed |
| School Closures | Nine schools planned for closure, specific details for each still in discussion |
| Financial Needs | Over $900 million in repair needs for Norfolk schools |
| Future Plans | Phased closure from 2026-2034, depending on district analysis and redistricting |
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Consolidation Plan
- Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
- 13 News Now: Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Consolidation Plan
- Google Search: Norfolk School Consolidation
- Pilot Online: Norfolk School Board Delays School Closure Vote
- Google Scholar: Norfolk School Consolidation
- WAVY: 9 Norfolk Public Schools to Close Under Draft Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Norfolk
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