Norfolk, VA, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has approved a controversial multi-year closure and consolidation plan impacting nine schools aimed at addressing declining enrollments and financial challenges. The plan, which received a 6–1 vote, will result in significant changes to the education landscape in Norfolk, including the closing of schools and the relocation of programs to optimize resources and improve student outcomes. However, concerns were raised about the community impact and student learning environments.
Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk School Board approved a multi-year closure and consolidation plan during a meeting on October 15, 2025, with a vote of 6–1. The decision marks a significant shift for the local education system, aimed at restructuring the city’s schools in response to declining enrollments and financial constraints. The sole dissenting vote came from board member Tanya K. Bhasin, who raised concerns over the plan’s potential impact on community learning environments and student outcomes.
The approved plan is set to commence in the 2026–27 school year and will extend into the next decade. It includes the closure of nine schools, relocations of various programs, and renovations or new construction projects intended to modernize the educational facilities while reducing costs. The closures will affect Schools including Ghent School, Tarrallton Elementary, Willoughby Early Childhood Center, and Norfolk Technical Center, among others.
Specific closures scheduled include:
- Willoughby Elementary and Norview Elementary in the 2026–27 school year.
- Ghent School, Tarrallton Elementary, P.B. Young Elementary, and Granby Elementary in 2027–28.
- Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center in 2028–29.
- Berkley-Campostella in 2029–30.
- Norfolk Technical Center by 2033–34.
In response to the consolidation, several programs will relocate. For example, the Ghent School program will move to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, while Willoughby Elementary students will transfer to Oceanair Elementary School. The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program is set to relocate to Chesterfield Elementary School, and Lindenwood Elementary will be transformed into a professional development center.
The School Board plans to use the 2025–26 school year to create a division-wide redistricting plan focused on addressing poverty and enhancing learning environments. Final decisions regarding school relocations are due by February 2026, with public hearings and votes scheduled for March 30, 2026.
Bhasin’s concerns centered on the impact of school closures on multiple learning communities and the necessity for a more thoughtful decision-making process. She suggested that the board take additional time to develop communication plans and complete boundary assessments before implementing major changes. Despite her objections, Bhasin indicated that she would support the board’s actions moving forward.
Board member Col. Kenneth Paulson (Ret.) acknowledged that community involvement in the planning process could have been better and recognized that improvements were needed. The board’s chair emphasized that the goal of the plan is to improve student outcomes by consolidating resources, although it may not satisfy all stakeholders.
The consolidation plan was initiated following a request from the City Council in March, which urged the school board to address declining enrollments and financial pressures by devising a strategy to close at least ten schools. A significant factor driving this need is a reported 25% decrease in student enrollment over the past decade.
Moving forward, the board has opened the opportunity for modifications to the plan as they proceed with implementation, signifying their willingness to adapt in order to better serve the educational needs of the community.
FAQ
What is the Norfolk School Board’s recent decision?
The Norfolk School Board voted 6–1 to approve a controversial multi-year closure and consolidation plan, affecting nine schools starting in the 2026–27 school year.
Why was the plan approved?
The plan was developed in response to a significant decline in enrollment and financial pressures on the Norfolk school system. It aims to improve educational outcomes and optimize resource allocation.
Which schools are closing?
The plan includes closures for Willoughby Elementary, Norview Elementary, Ghent School, Tarrallton Elementary, P.B. Young Elementary, Granby Elementary, and others over the next several years, concluding with Norfolk Technical Center’s closure by 2033-34.
What will happen to students from the closing schools?
Students will be relocated to other schools within the district, with specific plans for transitions already outlined for many of them.
When will the final decisions on relocations be made?
Final decisions regarding school relocations are expected by February 2026, following public hearings and votes scheduled for March 30, 2026.
| School Name | Closure Year | Relocation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Willoughby Elementary | 2026-27 | Students transferring to Oceanair Elementary School |
| Norview Elementary | 2026-27 | – |
| Ghent School | 2027-28 | Program relocating to Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School |
| Tarrallton Elementary | 2027-28 | – |
| P.B. Young Elementary | 2027-28 | – |
| Granby Elementary | 2027-28 | – |
| Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center | 2028-29 | Moving to Chesterfield Elementary School |
| Berkley-Campostella | 2029-30 | – |
| Norfolk Technical Center | 2033-34 | – |
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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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