News Summary

The Norfolk School Board has announced a significant plan to consolidate and close up to 10 public schools by 2033 due to declining enrollment. With student numbers dropping from approximately 32,000 to an estimated 24,000, the phased approach aims to close one or two schools each year starting in 2027. This decision, driven by financial challenges and the need to enhance educational quality, has raised community concerns about the impact on families and students as they navigate the potential changes.

Norfolk Public Schools Plan to Consolidate and Close 10 Schools by 2033 Amid Declining Enrollment

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk School Board has confirmed a consolidation plan that may result in the closing of up to 10 public schools by 2033, following a significant decline in enrollment. A formal vote on this consolidation plan is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17. The new strategy aims to address the decreasing number of students in the district, which has fallen from around 32,000 in the 2014-2015 school year to an estimated 24,000 by next year.

At a recent board meeting, officials outlined a preliminary plan that includes the closure or consolidation of nine schools. Among the schools affected, Lindenwood Elementary is being considered for repurposing as a professional development center. Similarly, Ghent School, which was not part of the initial closure discussions, may face potential changes with future redistricting, raising concerns among the community about the implications for students and families.

The Norfolk School Board’s plan includes a phased approach to closing one or two schools annually, beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2034. This ongoing consolidation is part of a larger strategy to redirect savings into much-needed capital improvement and maintenance projects for existing schools, particularly Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools.

This consolidation comes in light of substantial funding issues. The Norfolk City Council allocated $164.2 million for the current school year, not including capital project costs. In a resolution passed by the council, officials emphasized the necessity to eliminate underused buildings to enhance educational quality and save costs in the face of dwindling student numbers.

The current landscape of Norfolk City Public Schools includes five high schools, six middle schools, and 30 elementary schools. Analyses since 2013 indicate that the division has operated between 3 to 17 more schools than required based on its student population, and ongoing evaluations have shown a stark need for consolidation.

Norfolk’s consolidation plan represents a significant transformation in the area, potentially marking one of the largest school closures or consolidations in Virginia’s history. Despite rising costs for school rebuilding projects, including a staggering increase for Maury High School from $150 million to $250 million, the city remains committed to closing four schools while rebuilding four others.

As part of the process, community engagement has been prioritized. A meeting was held to openly address concerns about the impact on students and to gather feedback from parents and staff about the consolidation plan. The emotional ramifications of moving students to new schools were highlighted, with many expressing concerns about maintaining a sense of belonging for those affected.

Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl has reassured the community that no contracted staff positions will be eliminated as a result of the consolidation. Staff assessments will be conducted gradually through attrition, ensuring minimal immediate disruption in employment. To further facilitate community involvement, additional engagement sessions are slated for August 9.

The Norfolk School Board remains focused on navigating the complexities of this consolidation as it strives to adapt to the declining enrollment trend while aiming to maintain and enhance the quality of education for students in the district.

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Additional Resources

• WAVY News
• Wikipedia: Norfolk, Virginia
• WTKR News
• Google Search: Norfolk School Board closures
• Virginia Mercury
• Google Scholar: Norfolk School closures
• 13 News Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia education system
• WTKR News Sunrise Brief
• Google News: Norfolk public schools

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