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School Board’s Educational and Facilities Planning Advisory Committee
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School Board’s Educational and Facilities Planning Advisory Committee
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Dear Norfolk Public Schools’ Parents and Community Stakeholders,Get ready to be amazed! Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) is embarking on an exciting journey to transform learning environments in our city. We’re committed to creating innovative and engaging educational experiences for all students and to providing every student with rich educational experiences in inspiring, well maintained learning spaces. However, ongoing financial challenges and changing enrollment patterns have made this goal increasingly complex. Over the past decade, NPS has faced an average annual enrollment decline of more than 400 students, which has directly impacted the budget and made it difficult to maintain current facilities.Despite this significant decrease in enrollment, NPS continues to operate nearly the same number of schools it did 10 years ago, spreading resources too thin. Today, NPS has the capacity to serve nearly 37,000 students but enrolls fewer than 27,000. A 2019 Facility Condition Assessment identified nearly $500 million in facility needs, a figure that will only grow as over half of NPS schools are over 50 years old. The existing school portfolio was designed for a larger student population in a different era, and modernizing NPS requires a shift toward newer, fewer schools that can provide all students with the enriching, well-resourced educational environments they deserve.To address these challenges and seize this opportunity for transformation, NPS is forming a School Board’s Educational and Facilities Planning Advisory Committee to develop an actionable, city-wide plan. The Committee will meet 3-5 times through the end of the school year (June 2025) to review data and explore options for optimizing NPS' school portfolio. You are invited to apply as a potential member of this Committee. If you are interested in taking part in this transformative effort, please complete the application form using the link below. If you cannot commit to joining the Committee, please stay tuned for future opportunities to take part in community meetings and focus groups.Together, we’ll transform challenges into opportunities to create a brighter future for Norfolk students.
Facilities Master Planning
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Important Update on Norfolk Public Schools Facilities Plan
Important Update on Norfolk Public Schools Facilities Plan
The School Board of the City of Norfolk has released a draft school closure and repurposing plan that will guide decisions beginning with moves during the 2026-2027 school year and continuing each year thereafter with a minimum of 2 closures per year until all closures are complete.
By May 30, 2026, following the completion of a full zoning study for all Norfolk schools, closure and consolidation dates will be established. This approach ensures the consolidation and closure list reflects the needs of every student across the city, creating a plan that is thoughtful, equitable, and comprehensive. Importantly, this timeline allows for at least one full year of transition planning prior to any additional school closings.
Key Points of the Draft Plan:
- Nine schools are slated for closure.
- Five schools will be repurposed.
- One school is planned for a rebuild (Jacox).
- One school is planned for a remodel (LTHS).
- Rezoning will occur between SY27–SY31
Click here to view the Draft Final Consolidation Plan:
Timeline of Next Steps:
- The School Board will vote on the final consolidation plan during the September 17, 2025, School Board meeting.
- No later than May 30, 2026: NPS will create a division-wide redistricting plan focused on deconcentrating poverty and improving learning environments for every student.
- Spring 2026: Establish a timeline for closures and consolidations beyond 2026–27.
- 2026–27: Use the division-wide rezoning plan and timeline to create and communicate school transition plans.
- 2027–2034: Complete all closures and consolidations at a rate of 2 or more per year, pending the Jacox rebuild and Lake Taylor High School renovation for final moves.
Additional Notes:
- Ghent is no longer on the closure list at this time. However, during rezoning, if a more suitable location is identified, this decision may be revisited.
- This adjustment also removes James Monroe from the list, ensuring students are not displaced from their current school.
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Facilities Master Planning Documents
LREFPC COMMUNITY MEETING #1
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June 26, 2025 Community
LREFPC Meeting #2
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May 14, 2025 Planning Meeting