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Norfolk School Board Approves Major School Consolidation Plan

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News Summary

The Norfolk School Board has voted to consolidate several schools as part of a multi-year plan aimed at modernizing education and addressing declining enrollment. With a 6-1 vote, the board approved the closure of nine schools and new program relocations, sparking community debate about the plan’s impact on families and learning environments. The plan, which starts in the 2026-27 school year, includes provisions for rebuilding some facilities and aims to improve student outcomes despite concerns about the decision-making process.

Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board has voted to approve a multi-year plan that will close and consolidate several schools in the district, with the decision passing 6-1 during the meeting on October 15, 2025. The plan is set to begin in the 2026-27 school year and extends through the next decade.

The approved plan results in the closure of nine schools, along with various program relocations and new construction aimed at modernizing learning environments and reducing costs. This decision has sparked considerable debate within the community and among board members, particularly due to its potential impact on students and families.

Board member Tanya K. Bhasin, who cast the only dissenting vote, voiced her concerns regarding the decision-making process. She highlighted that the closure and repurposing of schools would adversely affect multiple learning communities and academic homes. Bhasin proposed that the board should invest additional time in developing transition and communication plans before executing such significant changes.

Although Bhasin opposed the plan, she stated her intention to support the board’s decision moving forward. This sentiment reflects a recognition of the necessity for consolidation despite reservations regarding its execution. Other board members also acknowledged that community involvement in earlier stages of the planning process could have been better managed.

The timeline for implementing the plan includes a division-wide redistricting strategy throughout the 2025-26 school year, aiming to address poverty and enhance learning environments. Final decisions concerning the relocation of affected schools are scheduled to be completed by February 2026, with public hearings and votes occurring by March 30, 2026.

The schools that will be closed as part of this plan include:

  • Ghent School
  • Tarrallton Elementary
  • Willoughby Early Childhood Center
  • Granby Elementary
  • P.B. Young Sr. Elementary
  • Norview Elementary
  • Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center
  • Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center
  • Norfolk Technical Center

Specifically, Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools will close at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Ghent School, Tarrallton, P.B. Young, and Granby Elementary will follow suit in the 2027-28 school year. The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center is set to close in 2028-29, Berkley-Campostella in 2029-30, and Norfolk Technical Center by 2033-34.

As part of the consolidations, the Ghent School program will move to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, while the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program will shift to Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby Elementary will be redirected to Oceanair Elementary School. Furthermore, Lindenwood Elementary will undergo conversion into a professional development center.

The plan includes provisions for rebuilding or renovating Lake Taylor High School, Jacox Elementary, and potentially one additional school, aiming to provide updated educational facilities for students.

This strategic closure plan comes in response to a request from the City Council in March for the school board to create a closure strategy for at least ten schools due to declining enrollment and ongoing financial pressures. The board reported a 25% decline in student enrollment over the past decade, a significant factor necessitating this action.

The school board chair emphasized that improving student outcomes and consolidating resources were primary goals of the plan, acknowledging that not all stakeholders would be satisfied with the decision. As the board moves forward with implementation, it remains open to future modifications to the plan based on community feedback and conditions.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK 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.

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