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Norfolk School Board Plans Major Consolidation of Public Schools

News Summary

The Norfolk School Board has confirmed plans to consolidate and close ten public schools due to declining enrollment, with a formal vote expected soon. Current enrollment sits at around 26,000 students, prompting discussions for gradual closures and potential repurposing of schools. The city council emphasizes the need for savings and prioritization of educational quality. A community meeting has taken place, and further engagement is scheduled to discuss the impacts of these changes, as stakeholders remain concerned about the future of Norfolk’s public school system.

Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board has confirmed plans to consolidate and close ten public schools by 2033 due to a significant decline in student enrollment. A formal vote on this consolidation plan is expected on Wednesday, September 17. The board’s discussions have included a tentative plan to close or consolidate nine schools, with the possibility of repurposing Lindenwood Elementary into a professional development center.

According to current statistics, Norfolk City Public Schools enroll approximately 26,000 students, down from about 32,000 during the 2014-2015 school year. Projections indicate that enrollment may drop further to around 24,000 by the next school year. This decline in student population has prompted the Norfolk City Council to request an action plan from the school board regarding the closure and consolidation of ten schools before the 2026-2027 school year.

The consolidation effort aims to reinvest the savings from the closures into major capital improvement and maintenance projects for the remaining schools, notably Maury High School and Booker T. Washington High School. In a resolution passed by the city council, the need to eliminate unneeded buildings was emphasized to help prioritize savings and maintain educational quality.

Currently, Norfolk City Public Schools operates five high schools, six middle schools, and 30 elementary schools. Since 2013, analyses have shown that the district has operated between three to 17 more schools than necessary based on its student population. In light of these findings, the school board intends to gradually close one or two schools annually starting in 2027 and continuing through 2034. The ultimate aim of this consolidation plan is to address the mismatch between the number of school facilities and the population served.

Another potential change in the consolidation discussions includes Ghent School, which was initially not on the closure list but may be impacted by future redistricting efforts. Additionally, the consolidation plan could represent one of the most extensive actions for public school closures in Virginia’s history.

Despite rising costs, particularly regarding the reconstruction of schools like Maury High School, which has seen its budget increase from $150 million to $250 million, the city plans to consolidate four schools and rebuild four others. These developments have raised community concerns about the emotional impact of transitioning students to new schools and the maintenance of a sense of belonging during these significant changes.

A community meeting was conducted to discuss the potential impacts of the consolidation on both students and staff, as well as to gather input from parents. Additional community engagement sessions are scheduled for August 9 to further evaluate the consolidation plan and its effects.

Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl has assured the public that the consolidation will not lead to cuts in contracted staff positions. Staffing assessments will be conducted gradually, primarily through natural attrition, indicating a commitment to retaining personnel through the transition.

The Norfolk School Board’s decision to move forward with a consolidation plan is a response to ongoing changes in student enrollment and the broader educational landscape. As the final vote approaches, stakeholders in the community remain engaged in discussions regarding the future of Norfolk’s public school system.

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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of 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 from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana