Norfolk School Board Approves Multi-Year School Closure Plan

News Summary

The Norfolk School Board has voted to implement a significant multi-year plan to close nine schools and modernize learning environments. The decision comes in response to declining student enrollment and financial pressures. Board member Tanya K. Bhasin voted against the initiative, citing concerns about the impact on learning communities. The plan will include a division-wide redistricting strategy and is expected to address issues related to poverty and educational outcomes. Public hearings and additional feedback will guide the implementation process.

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk School Board has approved a significant multi-year closure and consolidation plan for schools, voting 6–1 on October 15, 2025. The plan, which begins with the 2026–27 school year, aims to close nine schools, relocate programs, and modernize learning environments in response to declining enrollments and financial pressures.

The plan brings to light the closure of 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, and Norfolk Technical Center. Notably, Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools are scheduled to close by the end of the 2026-27 academic year, while other closures are set to occur in subsequent years through 2033-34.

Board member Tanya K. Bhasin was the only member to vote against the initiative, voicing concerns over the decision-making process and the need for greater emphasis on improving academic outcomes for students. Bhasin pointed out that the closure and repurposing of schools would affect multiple learning communities and suggest a need for comprehensive transition and communication plans.

Despite her opposition to the plan, Bhasin indicated her commitment to supporting the board’s decisions as they move forward. Other board members, including Col. Kenneth Paulson (Ret.), acknowledged that while the process could have been improved, community involvement was notably lacking during earlier phases of planning.

The approved plan will utilize the 2025–26 school year to develop a division-wide redistricting strategy, aimed at addressing issues related to poverty and enhancing the overall learning environment. The School Board has stipulated that final decisions regarding relocations for affected schools will be made by February 2026, with public hearings and votes scheduled to occur by March 30, 2026.

Specific relocations within the closure plan include the Ghent School program moving to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, while the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program will relocate to Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby are set to transfer to Oceanair Elementary School, and Lindenwood Elementary will be converted into a professional development center.

Additionally, the School Board plans to either rebuild or renovate Lake Taylor High School, Jacox Elementary, and potentially one other school, with the intent to create a more modern and conducive learning environment for students.

The decision comes after a request from the Norfolk City Council issued in March, which called for a restructuring plan to address the challenges posed by decreased student enrollment and financial sustainability. The School Board indicated that a dramatic 25% decrease in enrollment over the past decade has significantly influenced the need for such extensive changes.

The board chair reaffirmed that the intention of the plan is to improve student outcomes and consolidate resources throughout the division, notwithstanding the potential for dissatisfaction among some community members. As the implementation process unfolds, the board remains open to future modifications to the plan based on additional feedback and analysis.

As Norfolk moves forward with this extensive strategy, all eyes will be on the upcoming public hearings and the impacts that these changes may have on the affected learning communities.

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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