News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has postponed a vote on a controversial school consolidation plan, responding to strong community opposition. The decision came after a meeting where over 30 residents expressed their concerns, particularly about the proposed closure of nine schools. This delay allows more time for public input as discussions around school funding and repairs continue amidst declining student enrollment and financial challenges.
Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk School Board has postponed a vote on a controversial school consolidation plan, initially scheduled for September 23, in response to significant community pushback. The board’s decision to delay was made during a meeting on September 18, with a new date set for reconsideration on September 29 at 5 p.m. The vote to delay passed with a 6-1 majority; however, board member Ken Paulson opposed the postponement, arguing that it extended the timeline unnecessarily.
During the recent meeting, over 30 community members voiced their concerns regarding the proposed consolidation, with at least 20 speakers articulating opposition to the plan to close nine schools. Residents criticized the planning process, as the plan was drafted by board members Tanya Bhasin and Jason Inge and was introduced only a week prior, on September 10. Specific points of contention included the proposed repurposing of St. Helena Elementary School and its potential merger with the Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center.
Supporters of Ghent School rallied to keep their institution open, while advocates for Maury High School pushed for relocating the Ghent program to make room for larger athletic fields. A controversial idea accompanied the plan: the consideration of replacing Ghent School with a 4,000-seat football stadium. This proposal was ultimately not approved by the Norfolk City Council in August.
The postponement comes as Norfolk schools grapple with an ongoing decline in student enrollment and an estimated $900 million in necessary repairs, with $145 million categorized as urgent by educational consultants. The city council had earlier instructed the School Board to prepare for the closure of at least ten schools, as part of a broader effort to address financial constraints.
City Council member and former Granby High School principal Tommy Smigiel has emphasized the importance of the School Board adopting a timely and transparent plan for school closures. He warned that without an appropriate strategy, the City Council may take control over funding allocations for the school system. Previous proposals from the School Board had identified specific closure dates for only two of the nine schools mentioned in the consolidation plan.
The original consolidation initiative included plans for several school repurposing measures. Among these were transforming Lake Taylor High School into a full career and technical education center, converting Chesterfield Academy into a SECEP center, and designating Lindenwood Elementary as a professional development center for the school district. Closure was also planned for the Willoughby Early Childhood Center and the Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center by the end of the current school year.
Looking ahead, the timeline for further school closures includes institutions like Tarrallton, Granby, P.B. Young, and Norview, projected to close between the 2027-2031 school years, while remaining schools are anticipated to shut down before the 2034 school year.
The upcoming special meeting on September 29 is likely to draw significant attention from community members, as many families and stakeholders remain invested in the future of their schools. This delay gives residents a further opportunity to express their concerns regarding the consolidation plan.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
School Shooting in Evergreen, Colorado Claims Two Lives
Academy at Penguin Hall Closes Due to Bankruptcy
Baltimore County Council Approves New Redistricting Map
Demolition After Baltimore Fire Disrupts Local Businesses
Norfolk School Board Plans Major School Consolidation
Wilmington Area High Schools Receive U.S. News Rankings
Three-Alarm Fire Erupts at Northwest Baltimore Laundry
Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out in Baltimore Laundry Business
Challenging Times Ahead for Construction Industry
Norfolk School Board Proposes School Closures and Consolidation
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
