News Summary
During a four-hour meeting, the Norfolk School Board decided to postpone voting on school closures and consolidations due to community concerns. Multiple proposals were discussed, including the relocation of several schools and closures set for the coming years. The board plans to seek further public input before deciding on the proposed changes. A new work session is scheduled, with a final vote planned for October. The decisions are motivated by declining enrollment and financial challenges faced by the district.
Norfolk
The Norfolk School Board postponed a vote on proposed school closures and consolidations during a lengthy four-hour meeting, where community members packed the board chambers to express their opinions on the plan. The meeting unfolded amid growing concerns from residents, some of whom came prepared with snacks for the extended wait.
The closure plan currently under consideration is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with significant changes proposed for several schools within the district. Among the suggested adjustments is a relocation of the Willoughby Early Childhood Center to Oceanair Elementary, as well as a redistricting of students currently attending Norview Elementary. Looking ahead further, the closure of Tarrallton, Granby Elementary, and the Ghent School may occur for the 2027-2028 school year, with P.B. Young Elementary possibly joining this list.
Another proposal on the table suggests relocating the Ghent School to the Rosemont AOIS building, which is already home to the Young Scholars Program. The fate of Lindenwood Elementary remains uncertain, as board members are still debating whether to close it or consider repurposing it for administrative office space.
Several board members voiced concerns that the timing was not conducive for an immediate vote, stating that additional public input is essential before making such significant decisions. Reactions from the community to the delayed vote were varied; while some expressed disappointment over the lack of a formal vote, others noted positive signs of collaboration among board members in addressing the issue.
The board plans to conduct another work session on October 1 and is scheduled to present at a joint session with the city council on October 7. The final vote on the closure plan is now set for October 15.
This series of proposed school closures is a response to ongoing issues with declining enrollment and funding shortages within Norfolk’s schools. The school division has set a goal to close at least eight buildings, consolidate various schools, and repurpose others over the next several years. The recent decision to delay the vote comes amid scrutiny and pressure from the Norfolk City Council regarding the district’s enrollment drop and substantial repair needs, estimated at $1 billion.
Since 2010, Norfolk schools have experienced a 21% drop in student enrollment, prompting the city council to urge the school board to address the school closure matter expeditiously. Targeted schools for closure currently include not only Willoughby and Berkeley early childhood centers but also the broader goal of closing at least two schools per year until the closure target is achieved.
To further address the needs of the district, a division-wide redistricting plan is set to be created by May 30, 2026. This plan aims to address issues surrounding poverty concentration in schools and improve overall learning conditions for students. The school board intends to finalize the closure timeline by spring 2026, with all planned closures projected to occur between 2027 and 2034.
For the time being, the Ghent School will remain open, although this decision may be revisited if a more suitable location becomes available. Meanwhile, the Norfolk City Council recently approved plans for a new Maury High School as part of the ongoing efforts to improve school facilities and infrastructure within the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Jersey Construction Industry Forecasts Significant Growth
Kyrene Governing Board Faces Backlash Over School Closures
Jeff Blonski Appointed CFO of Johnson Financial Group
St. Louis Schools Consider Closure of Half Their Facilities
Treasure Coast Under Tropical Storm Watch as Depression Nine Approaches
Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events Canceled
Construction Worker Fatally Struck by Boom Truck in Burnsville
Tragic Dump Truck Accident Claims Contractor’s Life in Maple Grove
Barack Obama Addresses School Closures Impact Amid Pandemic
Football Rivalry Game Canceled Amid Controversy
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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
