News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has voted to implement a multi-year plan that will close nine schools and relocate programs to modernize learning environments. With a 6-1 vote, board members expressed concerns about the impact of closures on communities and questioned the decision-making process. The closures are slated to begin in 2026 and extend over the next decade, driven by a significant decline in student enrollment and financial pressures. Public hearings and votes are planned for early 2026 as the board seeks to improve academic outcomes.
Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board approved a controversial multi-year closure and consolidation plan for schools during a meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, voting 6–1 in favor. The plan will not only close nine schools but also involve program relocations and new construction efforts aimed at modernizing learning environments while reducing costs.
Board member Tanya K. Bhasin cast the only dissenting vote. Although she opposed the plan, Bhasin expressed her commitment to support the board’s decision as it moves forward. She raised concerns regarding the decision-making process, questioning the focus on improving academic outcomes for students and noting the impact of school closures on multiple learning communities.
The school closures are scheduled to begin in the 2026–27 school year and will extend into the next decade. The plan specifically targets the following schools for closure:
- Willoughby Elementary – Closing in 2026-27
- Norview Elementary – Closing in 2026-27
- Ghent School – Closing in 2027-28
- Tarrallton Elementary – Closing in 2027-28
- P.B. Young Sr. Elementary – Closing in 2027-28
- Granby Elementary – Closing in 2027-28
- Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center – Closing in 2028-29
- Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center – Closing in 2029-30
- Norfolk Technical Center – Closing by 2033-34
Additionally, the relocation of various programs will occur, with the Ghent School program moving to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School and the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program transitioning to Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby Elementary will be redirected to Oceanair Elementary, while Lindenwood Elementary will be transformed into a professional development center.
The Norwegian School Board plans to dedicate the 2025–26 school year to create a division-wide redistricting plan designed to address issues related to poverty and improve the learning environment. Final decisions regarding school relocations are expected by February 2026, with public hearings and votes planned by March 30, 2026.
The Board Chair acknowledged that while the plan aims to enhance student outcomes and consolidate educational resources, it might not satisfy everyone involved. Board member Col. Kenneth Paulson (Ret.) reflected on the approval process, noting that community involvement was less than ideal in earlier discussions. This sentiment highlighted Bhasin’s recommendation for the board to allocate more time for developing clear transition and communication strategies as well as completing boundary work before implementing significant changes.
This plan follows a directive from the City Council in March, requesting a strategic initiative aimed at closing at least ten schools due to a notable decline in student enrollment and ongoing financial pressures. The School Board reported a dramatic 25% decrease in enrollment over the past decade as a major motivating factor for the plan’s approval.
As the Norfolk School Board prepares to implement this extensive plan, they remain open to future modifications based on community feedback and the evolving needs of students.
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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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