News Summary
The Norfolk School Board has confirmed a consolidation plan that could lead to the closure of 10 public schools due to declining enrollment. A vote on this plan is expected soon, aiming to streamline operations and reinvest savings into existing schools. Community meetings will be held to address concerns regarding the emotional impact on students and staff. The plan reflects broader enrollment trends, with significant concerns regarding renovation costs for existing facilities and the preservation of educational resources.
Norfolk — The Norfolk School Board has confirmed their selection of a consolidation plan that could lead to the closure of 10 public schools by the year 2033 amid declining enrollment figures. A formal vote on the consolidation plan is expected to take place on Wednesday, September 17, as part of efforts to streamline operations and reinvest savings into capital projects for existing schools.
During a recent board meeting, officials discussed a tentative plan for consolidating nine schools. While the details are not final, reports indicate that Lindenwood Elementary may be repurposed as a professional development center. Additionally, Ghent School, which was not initially considered for closure, may face future redistricting that could impact its operations.
The Norfolk School Board’s strategy aims to close one or two schools each year starting from 2027 through 2034. The board’s current enrollment stands at approximately 26,000 students, a significant decline from around 32,000 students during the 2014-2015 school year. Projections indicate that this number could dip to approximately 24,000 by the next school year.
The city’s consolidation initiative comes in response to a formal request from the Norfolk City Council, which is asking the school board to prepare an action plan for closing and consolidating 10 schools ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. The council has allocated $164.2 million to the Norfolk City Public Schools for the current fiscal year, excluding funds for capital projects.
This move toward consolidation and closure is intended to streamline educational resources and prioritize savings that could be re-invested into major capital improvement and maintenance projects, particularly for existing institutions such as Maury and Booker T. Washington High Schools. Since 2013, analyses have shown that the school division has operated between 3 to 17 more schools than necessary, given the population and enrollment trends.
The consolidation plan is reflective of what could potentially be one of the largest efforts to close or consolidate public schools in Virginia’s history. Current proposals suggest consolidating four schools and rebuilding an additional four, even as construction costs are on the rise—a notable concern is the increase of Maury High School’s renovation costs from $150 million to $250 million.
To ensure community input, a meeting was held recently to discuss the potential impacts on students and to gather feedback from parents and staff regarding the new consolidation plan. Concerns have been raised about the emotional effects of transitioning students to new schools and the need to maintain their sense of belonging amid these changes.
Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl has acknowledged the community’s concerns, assuring that no contracted staff positions will be cut as a direct result of the consolidation process. Staffing assessments will be conducted gradually through natural attrition rather than immediate layoffs, easing apprehensions about job losses.
Further community engagement sessions are planned for August 9, offering additional opportunities for discussion around the consolidation strategy. Stakeholders are encouraged to attend these meetings to voice their opinions and concerns related to the implications of the proposed changes.
Norfolk City Public Schools currently operates five high schools, six middle schools, and thirty elementary schools. As the population and enrollment continue to shift, the Norfolk School Board is positioning itself to adapt to these changes, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of education while managing the district’s financial responsibilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wilmington Area High Schools Ranked by U.S. News
Norfolk School Board Proposes School Closures and Consolidations
Philadelphia School Board Addresses SEPTA Cuts and Charter Closures
Norfolk Public Schools Seeks Extension for Controversial Closures
Community Voices Concern Over Norfolk School Closures
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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
