Norfolk, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has approved a multi-year plan to close nine schools and consolidate educational programs due to a significant decline in student enrollment. The decision, made in a 6-1 vote, aims to modernize learning environments and address financial pressures. Concerns were raised about the decision-making process, with calls for improved community involvement. The plan will unfold over several years, starting in the upcoming school year, with opportunities for public feedback and final decisions expected by February 2026.
Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board approved a controversial multi-year closure and consolidation plan for schools on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. In a decisive vote of 6–1, the board outlined a strategy that will start in the 2026–27 school year and extend into the next decade, involving the closure of nine schools and relocating several educational programs.
The board’s plan was prompted by a significant decline in student enrollment, which has decreased by 25% over the past decade. By consolidating resources, officials aim to modernize learning environments while addressing financial pressures faced by the school division. The board chair indicated that while the plan aims to enhance student outcomes, it will not satisfy everyone involved.
One board member, Tanya K. Bhasin, voted against the proposal, raising concerns about the decision-making process used to reach this point, specifically the lack of emphasis on improving academic outcomes. Bhasin highlighted that the closures and repurposing of schools would affect multiple communities and educational environments. She suggested that additional time should be taken to finalize transition and communication plans alongside boundary considerations prior to implementing such significant changes.
Despite her dissenting vote, Bhasin expressed a willingness to support the board’s decision moving forward, indicating unity in moving ahead with the plan. Board member Col. Kenneth Paulson acknowledged the shortcomings of the process, specifically mentioning that community involvement was insufficient during earlier discussions and planning stages.
The approved plan will make use of the 2025–26 school year to establish a division-wide redistricting effort, focusing on issues related to poverty while striving to enhance learning conditions. Final decisions regarding the specific relocations of affected schools will be determined by February 2026, with public hearings and votes expected by March 30, 2026.
The impacted schools include:
– Ghent School
– Tarrallton Elementary
– Willoughby Early Childhood Center
– Granby Elementary
– P.B. Young Sr. Elementary
– Norview Elementary
– Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center
– Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center
– Norfolk Technical Center
Schools will be phased out over several years, with Willoughby and Norview Elementary set to close in 2026-27. Ghent School, Tarrallton, P.B. Young, and Granby Elementary will follow suit in 2027-28. The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center is scheduled for closure in 2028-29, while Berkley-Campostella will close in 2029-30, and Norfolk Technical Center by 2033-34.
Specific educational programs will also be relocated; for instance, the Ghent School program will move to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, and the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program will transition to Chesterfield Elementary School. Additionally, students from Willoughby will transfer to Oceanair Elementary School, and Lindenwood Elementary will be repurposed into a professional development center.
Plans are also underway to rebuild or renovate Lake Taylor High School, Jacox Elementary, and potentially one additional school to accommodate the needs of the district and its current student population.
This decision follows a directive from the City Council in March, which requested a comprehensive plan that includes the closure of at least ten schools based on observable declines in enrollment and fiscal pressures. The School Board is anticipating modifications and refinements to the plan as they proceed with implementation.
FAQ
What is the Norfolk School Board’s new plan?
The Norfolk School Board has approved a multi-year plan to close nine schools and relocate various educational programs to modernize learning environments and manage financial challenges.
When will the plan be implemented?
The plan will begin in the 2026–27 school year and will extend into the next decade, with specific school closures occurring staggered across several years.
How many schools will be closed?
A total of nine schools are scheduled for closure as part of the board’s strategy.
What factors influenced this decision?
The decision was largely based on a 25% decline in student enrollment over the past decade and requests from the City Council to address financial pressures through school consolidations.
When will final decisions on relocated schools be made?
Final decisions regarding the relocation of affected schools will be announced by February 2026, with public hearings and votes set for March 30, 2026.
Key Features of the Norfolk School Board Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Closing | Nine schools will be closed over several years. |
| Start Year | The plan begins in the 2026–27 school year. |
| Enrollment Decrease | There has been a 25% drop in enrollment over the last decade. |
| Redistricting Plan | A division-wide redistricting plan will be developed during the 2025–26 school year. |
| Public Involvement | Public hearings and votes are scheduled for March 30, 2026. |
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Norfolk School Board Approves Plan to Close 9 Schools by 2034
- Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
- WTKR: Norfolk School Board Approves Major School Closure Consolidation Plan
- Google Search: Norfolk schools closure
- 13 News Now: Norfolk Schools Face Closures and Rebuilds as Board Approves Plan
- Google Scholar: Norfolk school board closure
- WAVY: Major Plan to Close, Consolidate Public Schools in Norfolk Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Norfolk, Virginia
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