Norfolk, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has decided to postpone a critical vote on proposed school closures to gather more public input. Community concerns were raised during a lengthy meeting attended by numerous residents. The closure plan, aimed at addressing declining enrollment and funding issues, proposes changes affecting several schools. A new timeline is expected to be presented during upcoming sessions with the city council, with the final vote anticipated soon.
Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board has opted to postpone a critical vote regarding proposed school closures and consolidations amidst significant community concerns during a lengthy four-hour meeting. The decision to delay the voting process was made to allow for additional public input, with board members acknowledging the necessity of time for community consideration.
During the meeting, a large number of community members attended, with some even bringing snacks as they anticipated the board’s decision. The vote was initially set to address a closure plan aiming to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. Proposed changes involve relocating the Willoughby Early Childhood Center to Oceanair Elementary and redistricting students currently attending Norview Elementary.
If the plan moves forward, several schools, including Tarrallton, Granby Elementary, and the Ghent School, may close during the 2027-2028 school year, with P.B. Young potentially joining the closure list. An alternative proposal suggests relocating Ghent School to the Rosemont AOIS building, which already hosts the Young Scholars Program, to better utilize resources.
The closure status of Lindenwood Elementary also remains uncertain. Board members are currently debating whether to close the school or repurpose it for administrative use. Some board members indicated that the timing for a vote was inappropriate, highlighting the necessity for community engagement before making such significant decisions.
Reactions from the community have been mixed. While some residents expressed disappointment over the lack of a formal vote, others viewed the meeting as a sign of progress in collaboration between the school board and the community. Community member reactions included sentiments of wanting a vote while appreciating the board’s efforts to work together more openly.
The school board has scheduled another work session for October 1 and will present their findings during a joint session with the city council on October 7. The final vote on the school closure plan is anticipated to occur on October 15.
This proposed school consolidation plan responds to significant challenges faced by Norfolk schools, including declining enrollment and ongoing funding issues. The school division intends to close at least eight school buildings and consolidate others in the coming years. A pressing need for action has been reinforced by criticism from community stakeholders and pressure from the Norfolk City Council, especially given the approaching $1 billion in school repairs and a stark 21% drop in student enrollment since 2010.
Several schools, such as Willoughby and Berkeley early childhood centers, are among those targeted for closure, with plans to close a minimum of two schools each year until the division’s objectives are achieved. A division-wide redistricting plan is in the works, aiming to decentralize poverty within the school system while enhancing learning environments by May 30, 2026. The school board intends to finalize a timeline for the closures by spring 2026, projecting that all closures will be completed between 2027 and 2034.
Currently, Ghent School will remain operational; however, its status may be reevaluated if a more favorable location for the school is identified. In parallel, the Norfolk City Council has recently approved plans for a new Maury High School as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades to better serve the students in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Norfolk School Board postpone the vote on school closures?
The Norfolk School Board decided to delay the vote to allow for more public input, noting the importance of community engagement in making such significant decisions about school consolidations.
What schools are being considered for closure?
Proposed closures include Willoughby Early Childhood Center, Tarrallton, Granby Elementary, Ghent School, and potentially P.B. Young over the next few years.
What is the timeline for the proposed school closures?
The school division aims to implement closures starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with a projected completion of all closures between 2027 and 2034. The final vote on the plan will occur on October 15, 2023.
What are the reasons behind these proposed closures?
The closures are part of a response to declining student enrollment and significant financial challenges, including a reported $1 billion in school repair needs.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closure Start Year | 2026-2027 |
| Initial Target Schools for Closure | Willoughby Early Childhood Center, Tarrallton, Granby Elementary, Ghent School, P.B. Young |
| Final Vote Date | October 15, 2023 |
| Community Engagement | Work session on October 1 and joint session on October 7 |
| Long-Term Goals | Close at least eight buildings, create a new redistricting plan by May 30, 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now – Norfolk School Board Closure Plan Vote
- Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
- WAVY – Norfolk Public Schools Closure Plan
- Google Search: Norfolk School Closures
- WTKR – Preliminary Plan for Norfolk Schools
- Google Scholar: Norfolk Public Schools
- Pilot Online – Norfolk School Board Delays Closure Vote
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Norfolk Schools
- 13 News Now – Norfolk School Board Roadmap for Closures
- Google News: Norfolk School Board
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