News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has decided to implement a multi-year plan involving the closure and consolidation of several schools due to declining student enrollment and financial challenges. Nine schools are set to close as part of a strategy to modernize learning environments and address educational disparities. While most board members supported the move, concerns were raised about the decision-making process and its impact on community learning. A timeline for public input and redistricting is also established as plans develop.
Norfolk Approves Multi-Year School Closure and Consolidation Plan Amid Controversy
Norfolk, VA — The Norfolk School Board has approved a comprehensive, multi-year plan to close and consolidate several schools in the city, a move prompted by declining student enrollment and financial challenges. The decision, made during a meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, was voted on with six members in favor and one against. Board member Tanya K. Bhasin cast the sole vote against the plan, citing concerns over the decision-making process and the impact on learning communities.
Details of the Closure and Consolidation Plan
The plan spans from the upcoming 2026–27 school year through the next decade and involves the closure of nine schools, relocation of various programs, and new construction initiatives. The objective is to modernize learning environments, reduce operational costs, and better address issues related to poverty and educational disparities across the division.
The specific schools scheduled for closure include Willoughby Early Childhood Center, Norview Elementary, Ghent School, Tarrallton Elementary, P.B. Young Sr. Elementary, Granby Elementary, Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center, Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center, and Norfolk Technical Center.
The closures are phased over several years: Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools will cease operations in the 2026–27 school year; Ghent School, Tarrallton, P.B. Young, and Granby Elementary are scheduled to close in 2027–28; the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center will close in 2028–29; Berkley-Campostella in 2029–30; and the Norfolk Technical Center by 2033–34.
Program Relocations and Rebuilding Efforts
The plan includes relocating programs to various sites within the district. The Ghent School program will move to Rosemont Middle School’s Academy of International Studies. The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs will be re-established at Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby will transfer to Oceanair Elementary School. Additionally, Lindenwood Elementary is slated for conversion into a professional development center.
Reconstruction or renovation efforts are also planned for key schools, including Lake Taylor High School, Jacox Elementary, and one other unspecified school, to foster improved learning environments.
Community Involvement and Process Concerns
While the board approved the plan, some members expressed concerns regarding the process. Board member Col. Kenneth Paulson (Ret.) acknowledged that community input was limited initially and that the process could have benefited from greater transparency and consultation. Despite some reservations, the majority of the board supported moving forward with implementation.
Timeline and Public Involvement
The division will utilize the 2025–26 school year to develop a division-wide redistricting plan focused on addressing issues of poverty and academic disparities. Final decisions on school relocations and boundary changes are scheduled for completion by February 2026, with public hearings and votes to follow by March 30, 2026.
Background and Rationale
The decision follows a request made in March by the City Council urging school officials to develop a plan that addresses the declining enrollment, which has experienced a 25% decrease over the past decade. This decline has exerted financial pressure on the district, prompting the need for resource consolidation and school closures.
The district’s leadership highlighted that the consolidation aims to improve student outcomes by creating more sustainable and modern learning facilities while reducing costs. The school board chair emphasized that although the plan may not please everyone, it is necessary for future stability and growth.
Future modifications to the plan are welcomed as part of the ongoing process of refining the district’s approach to school closures, resource distribution, and student support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Middle Tennessee Faces School Closures Due to Extreme Weather
District 65 Cancels Planned School Board Meeting
Legislative Action Urged to Address School Closures in West Virginia
Community Members Oppose District 65 School Closures
Washington Leaders Warn of Economic Fallout from Tariffs
Kyrene School District Updates Closure Plans
District 65 Considers Closing Schools Amid Financial Crisis
Peabody Magnet High School Cancels Homecoming Events Due to Security Threats
Watford City Closes Wolves Den Parkway for Repairs
Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Closures
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
