News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has approved a comprehensive plan aimed at closing and consolidating several schools to modernize the district’s educational framework. The initiative includes the closure of nine schools, program relocations, and a focus on enhancing educational resources amidst declining enrollments and financial constraints. The plan will implement changes over multiple years, with community engagement and a redistricting strategy in development to ensure a smooth transition for affected students. Board member concerns highlight the complexities of the decision, but the board aims to improve student outcomes in the long-term.
Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk School Board has taken a significant step toward reshaping the city’s educational landscape by approving a multi-year closure and consolidation plan on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The board voted 6-1 in favor of the initiative, with only board member Tanya K. Bhasin opposing the measure. The plan is set to commence in the 2026-27 school year and will extend into the next decade, including multiple school closures, program relocations, and the construction of new facilities aimed at modernizing learning environments and reducing financial burdens.
The approved plan entails the closure of nine schools, including 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, and Norfolk Technical Center. Specifically, Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools are scheduled to close in the 2026-27 school year, while Ghent School, Tarrallton, P.B. Young, and Granby Elementary will shut down in the 2027-28 school year. Other closures include the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center in 2028-29, Berkley-Campostella in 2029-30, and Norfolk Technical Center by 2033-34.
In addition to the closures, the plan includes key relocations. The Ghent School program will move to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, and the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program will transfer to Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby will be redirected to Oceanair Elementary School. Furthermore, Lindenwood Elementary will be transformed into a professional development center, while three schools—Lake Taylor High School, Jacox Elementary, and potentially one additional school—will undergo extensive renovations or rebuilding efforts.
The board’s decision follows a request from the City Council in March that urged for a restructuring plan to address declining enrollments and significant financial pressures faced by the school district. Over the past ten years, enrollment has decreased by 25%, which has been a major factor influencing this consolidation strategy. The board chair indicated that the objective of the plan aims to enhance student outcomes and efficiently consolidate resources, while acknowledging that the changes might not satisfy everyone involved.
As part of the implementation process, the board plans to utilize the 2025-26 school year to devise a comprehensive division-wide redistricting strategy. This effort will focus on addressing issues relating to poverty and improving learning environments. Final decisions regarding the relocations for the affected schools are expected to be made by February 2026, with public hearings and votes scheduled for March 30, 2026.
Board member Tanya K. Bhasin raised concerns about the decision-making process, particularly regarding the academic implications for students across the affected communities. She emphasized that the closures and repurposing of schools would disrupt multiple learning environments and urged the board to take additional time to formulate effective transition and communication strategies. Despite her dissenting vote, Bhasin reaffirmed her commitment to support the board’s measures moving forward.
Col. Kenneth Paulson, a board member, acknowledged that the process could have been improved, especially in terms of engaging with the community at earlier points. The school board remains open to modifications to the consolidation plan as they proceed with its implementation, recognizing the complexity of the changes ahead.
This pivotal decision marks a significant shift in Norfolk’s education system, prompting a focus on revitalizing resources, modernizing facilities, and ultimately enhancing the academic experiences of students amidst ongoing challenges in enrollment and funding.
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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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