Norfolk School Board Approves School Closures

Norfolk, October 16, 2025

News Summary

The Norfolk School Board has approved a multi-year plan to close and consolidate nine schools in response to declining enrollment and budgetary issues. The plan, endorsed by a 6-1 vote, aims to modernize educational environments and will see the first closures begin with Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools in the next academic year. Relocations are also planned for various programs, and final decisions on these moves are pending public hearings set for early 2026. Board member Tanya K. Bhasin expressed concerns about the impact of these closures on learning communities.

Norfolk – The Norfolk School Board voted 6–1 on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to approve a multi-year closure and consolidation plan that will impact nine schools. Board member Tanya K. Bhasin was the only member opposed to the plan. This initiative, set to begin in the 2026–27 school year, is designed to modernize educational environments while addressing budgetary challenges as student enrollment continues to decline.

The approved plan encompasses 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. Willoughby and Norview Elementary Schools are scheduled to close first in the 2026-27 school year. Additional closures will occur in the following years, as outlined:

• 2027-28: Ghent School, Tarrallton, P.B. Young, Granby Elementary
• 2028-29: Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center
• 2029-30: Berkley-Campostella Early Childhood Center
• 2033-34: Norfolk Technical Center

Relocations will accompany these closures, with the Ghent School program moving to the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, and the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program transitioning to Chesterfield Elementary School. Students from Willoughby Elementary will shift to Oceanair Elementary School, while Lindenwood Elementary will become a professional development center.

The school board plans to utilize the 2025–26 school year to develop a division-wide redistricting strategy to better accommodate students dealing with poverty and to enhance the overall learning environment. Final decisions on school relocations are expected by February 2026, with public hearings and votes set for March 30, 2026.

Board member Bhasin expressed her concerns over the decision-making process and highlighted the potential negative impact that closing schools could have on various learning communities. She stressed the necessity for thorough transition and communication plans, and the importance of completing boundary adjustments prior to enacting significant policy changes. Despite her opposition, Bhasin pledged to support the board’s decision going forward.

Col. Kenneth Paulson (Ret.), another board member, acknowledged that the engagement of the community in the development of this plan was insufficient and indicated that the process could have been conducted more effectively. The board had been prompted by the City Council in March to devise a strategy for closing a minimum of ten schools due to a recorded 25% decline in student enrollment over the past decade, coupled with financial constraints.

The intent behind the school consolidation plan is to enhance student outcomes by maximizing resource allocation. While board chair members noted that these changes might not satisfy all stakeholders, they remain committed to ongoing modifications of the plan as implementation progresses.

Key Features of the Closure and Consolidation Plan

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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

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