News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has approved a plan to consolidate and close ten public schools due to declining student enrollment. A formal vote is expected soon. The proposed strategy suggests shutting down nine schools and repurposing Lindenwood Elementary as a professional development center. Beginning in 2027, one or two schools will be closed each year until 2034. The plan aims to save funds for crucial capital improvements and maintenance. Community meetings have been held to discuss the impacts, and concerns about emotional transitions and job stability have been addressed.
Norfolk, Virginia – The Norfolk School Board has endorsed a plan to consolidate and close ten public schools in Norfolk by 2033, amid a significant decline in student enrollment. A formal vote on this consolidation plan is anticipated during the board’s meeting on September 17.
During a recent meeting, officials revealed a tentative strategy calling for the closure of nine schools. Notably, Lindenwood Elementary may be repurposed as a professional development center. While Ghent School was not originally included in the discussions regarding closures, it may be impacted by future redistricting measures.
The consolidation effort is projected to involve closing one or two schools yearly starting in 2027 and continuing through 2034. The Norfolk City Council has instructed the school board to craft an action plan for closing and consolidating these schools before the 2026-2027 school year.
The consolidation aims to redirect savings into critical capital improvement and maintenance projects for existing facilities, particularly Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools. Currently, enrollment in Norfolk City Public Schools stands at approximately 26,000 students, a decrease from around 32,000 during the 2014-2015 academic year. Projections suggest enrollment may dip to around 24,000 students in the upcoming school year.
In the current fiscal year, the Norfolk City Council allocated $164.2 million to the school division, not including funds designated for capital projects. The council’s resolution underscores the necessity to close unneeded buildings to enhance both savings and educational quality.
Norfolk City Public Schools currently operates five high schools, six middle schools, and 30 elementary schools. An analysis conducted since 2013 indicates that the division has maintained between three to 17 more schools than necessary, based on population data.
This proactive approach to school consolidation could represent one of the most significant actions to close or consolidate public schools in Virginia’s history. Despite challenges such as rising costs—which have seen the projected expenditure for Maury High School rise from $150 million to $250 million—the city plans to close four schools while rebuilding four others.
A community meeting was organized to address potential impacts on students and obtain feedback from parents and staff about the consolidation plan. During this meeting, concerns were raised regarding the emotional implications of transitioning students to new schools and the importance of preserving their sense of belonging.
In response to worries about job stability, interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl assured that no contracted staff positions would be terminated as a result of the consolidation. Staffing evaluations will be undertaken gradually, relying on natural attrition rather than immediate layoffs.
In an effort to keep the community informed and engaged, additional sessions are scheduled for August 9 to further discuss the details of the consolidation plan.
The outcomes of these discussions and the forthcoming vote are expected to significantly reshape the landscape of public education in Norfolk, with potential long-term effects on students, staff, and the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Norfolk School Board Proposes School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline
Norfolk Public Schools Request Deadline Extension for Closures
Norfolk Residents Concerned About School Closures
St. Louis Public Schools Proposes Major Restructuring Plan
Norfolk City Council Delays Decision on Maury High School Project
Norfolk City Council Delays Vote on Maury High School Plan
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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