Norfolk, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board is requesting an extension from the City Council to finalize a plan to close and consolidate 10 schools due to community concerns. Originally, the deadline was set for August 1, but the board is asking for additional time until September 19 for more public input. Community members have criticized the initial plan, raising concerns about the impact on students and neighborhoods. The City Council will discuss this request during their next meeting, while more public input sessions are planned to engage with local residents.
Norfolk School Board Requests Extension for School Closure Plan Amid Community Concerns
Norfolk Public Schools officials are seeking an extension from the City Council until September 19 to finalize a plan for the closure and consolidation of 10 schools. The request comes as concerns from the community have emerged regarding the impact of these closures on students and local neighborhoods.
The Norfolk School Board Chair, Sarah Dicalogero, alongside Interim Superintendent James Pohl, formally submitted a letter to the City Council emphasizing the need for additional time for public input. The original deadline for the school closure plan was set for August 1 following a resolution passed by the Council in March that included potential punitive measures if the school board fails to meet the deadline.
The school district has been actively developing a consolidation strategy for several months. A preliminary list of schools identified for potential closure includes:
- Ghent School
- Tarrallton Elementary School
- Willoughby Early Childhood Center
- P. B. Young Sr. Elementary School
- Lindenwood Elementary School
- Granby Elementary School
- Berkley Campostella Early Childhood Education Center
- Norview Elementary School
- The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center
- Norfolk Technical Center
To gauge community sentiment, the school district has hosted several public input sessions. Feedback gathered at these sessions has shown criticism of the initial closure plan. Many community members have expressed concerns about the effects of school closures on students and their neighborhoods. In light of these concerns, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander has expressed support for delaying the deadline to allow for further community engagement.
The City Council is set to address the extension request during their next meeting on August 26, after a summer recess. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding plans to close and demolish Ghent School to facilitate the construction of a new 4,000-seat football stadium as part of the reconstruction of Maury High School. Due to this, the City Council also postponed a vote on a $214.9 million design and construction agreement related to the high school project.
As part of ongoing efforts to gather public feedback, two more public input sessions concerning the school closure plan are scheduled for this Saturday at Norfolk Scope, coinciding with a Unity in the Community back-to-school event. The School Board aims to conduct a final vote on the closure plan on September 17.
Contextually, falling student enrollment in Norfolk has propelled the school district toward consolidation. From 2010, student numbers have dropped from 31,176 to an estimated 24,459 by 2025, a decrease of over 21%. A consultant’s report highlights that Norfolk’s school district operates between three to 17 more schools than necessary and that closing facilities could potentially save the district $20 million annually.
Community response remains mixed regarding the impending school closures, with some voices advocating for a focus on the needs of their respective communities. The school district plans to begin implementation of this consolidation strategy prior to the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to close at least two schools each year until excess capacity is addressed.
FAQ
What is the current deadline for the Norfolk School Board’s closure plan?
The current deadline for the school closure plan is set for August 1, but the Norfolk School Board is requesting an extension until September 19.
How many schools are proposed for closure?
A preliminary list proposes the closure of 10 schools.
What are community members saying about the school closures?
Many community members have voiced criticism of the closure plan, expressing concerns for affected students and neighborhoods.
Key Features
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Deadline for Closure Plan | August 1 |
| Requested Extension | September 19 |
| Number of Schools Proposed for Closure | 10 |
| Estimated Student Enrollment Drop (2010-2025) | Over 21% |
| Potential Annual Savings from Closures | $20 million |
| Final Vote on Closure Plan | September 17 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Middle Tennessee Schools Cancel Classes Due to Ice
Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed School Closures in Norfolk
Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Norfolk School Closure Update
- Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
- 13 News Now: List of Norfolk Schools Closing
- Google Search: Norfolk Schools Closure
- WAVY: Norfolk School Board Proposed Closures
- Google Scholar: Norfolk School Closures
- Virginia Mercury: Norfolk School Board Action Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- WTKR: Norfolk Schools Closure Plan Unveiled
- Google News: Norfolk Public Schools
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