Norfolk Council urges School Board to shutter and merge 10 schools.

Facing ongoing declines in public school enrollment, Norfolk City Council has requested that the city School Board create a plan within five months to close and consolidate 10 schools, with closures beginning by August 2026.

The resolution, unanimously passed by the council, warns of potential repercussions for any delay by the School Board, including shifting the city’s appropriations to Norfolk Public Schools from a lump sum to a directed allocation. This would grant the council greater control over school division appropriations to mitigate the projected financial losses caused by surplus school building capacity.

While acknowledging the challenging decisions the board faces in closing or consolidating 10 schools, the council emphasized that “eliminating unneeded buildings must be a priority addressed immediately.” The resolution mandates that at least two schools be closed per year until the number of operational school buildings aligns with the actual need.

In 2025, the city allocated $164.2 million to Norfolk Public Schools for operating costs, while also covering 100% of its capital costs. Despite a 21% decline in student enrollment, from 31,176 in 2010 to a projected 24,459 in 2025, the council reaffirmed its commitment to increasing per-pupil funding. In 2024, the school division established a long-range facility plan steering committee as part of a broader effort to modernize its infrastructure.

The resolution also referenced the school division’s facilities master plan since 2019, which included plans to rebuild Maury High School as well as Granby, Norview, and Jacox elementary schools. It also proposed the consolidation of Tidewater Park Elementary School, Madison Alternative School, Easton Preschool, and Lindenwood Elementary School.

Additionally, the council highlighted a survey conducted by the board’s consultant. This survey revealed that, since 2013, the school division has operated with an excess of three to 17 schools, based on the population served. The report estimated nearly $71 million in potential savings from 2018 to 2022, with annual savings of $8.5 million in 2018, $8.4 million in 2019, $16.7 million in 2020, $17.2 million in 2021, and $20.3 million in 2022.