Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk School Board Approves School Consolidation and Facilities Plan
Norfolk School Board Approves School Consolidation and Facilities Plan
October 16, 2025
Norfolk School Board Approves School Consolidation and Facilities Plan
Norfolk, VA – In a 6-1 vote during the October 15, 2025, business meeting, the Norfolk School Board approved the updated School Consolidation and Facilities Plan. This multi-year plan will guide building closures, repurposing, and construction projects beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, modernized learning environments while making the best use of district resources.
The approved School Consolidation and Facilities Plan reflects the Board’s commitment to equitable opportunity, safe and innovative facilities, and continuity of instruction. Importantly, no teachers or staff members will lose their jobs as a result of consolidations. Educators and support staff will transition alongside their students, preserving vital relationships and supporting stability during periods of change.
Highlights of the Approved Plan:
- Rebuild & Renovation for the Future
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- Lake Taylor High School is planned for renovation between 2030–2033 to include a comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, beginning with planning and design work in 2028–2029.
- Jacox Elementary School is scheduled to begin planning and design for a complete rebuild in 2028–2029, with construction scheduled for 2030–2033.
- Planning for an additional new elementary school to upgrade or replace an already existing school is also scheduled to begin in 2028–2029.
- Closures & Relocations with Student-Centered Transitions (2026–2034)
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- The Willoughby Early Childhood Center (ECC) building will close, and the Pre-K centers will move to the Oceanair Elementary School building (2026–2027).
- Students attending Oceanair Elementary School will be redistricted (public hearing and vote by March 30, 2026).
- Norview Elementary School will close in 2026–2027, with student relocation finalized during the redistricting process (public hearing and vote by March 30, 2026).
- Tarrallton Elementary School and Granby Elementary School will close in 2027–2028, with final relocation plans determined through redistricting and public input in 2026.
- P.B. Young Elementary School is scheduled to close in 2027-2028, depending on existing plans for rebuilding Youngs Terrace.
- The Ghent School K-8 building will close in 2027-2028 and students will move into the current Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Building.
- The SECEP K–12 building will close in 2028–2029, with programs relocated to the Chesterfield Elementary School building.
- Students attending Chesterfield Elementary School will be redistricted (public hearing and vote by March 30, 2027).
- Berkley Early Childhood Center (ECC) will close in 2029–2030, contingent upon upgrades to St. Helena Elementary School.
- Norfolk Technical Center will close in 2033–2034, with programs moving to Lake Taylor High School as part of its expanded CTE program.
- Repurposing to Expand Opportunities (2026-2030
- Oceanair Elementary School will be repurposed (2026–2027) to house students from Willoughby ECC.
- Rosemont Specialty Center will be repurposed in Summer 2027 to accommodate the Academy of International Studies (AOIS), Young Scholars, and Ghent programs.
- Lindenwood Elementary School will be repurposed in the summer of 2027, potentially as a professional development center, aligned with the transitions from Rosemont and Ghent.
- Chesterfield Elementary School will be repurposed in 2028–2029 to serve new programs following the SECEP relocation.
- St. Helena Elementary School may be repurposed or upgraded in 2029–2030 to expand early childhood learning opportunities following the Berkley ECC closure.
- Long-Term Consolidation Plan (2027–2034)
By 2034, this School Consolidation and Facilities Plan will have:- Closed nine buildings
- Repurposed four
- Rebuilt or renovated three major school facilities
Each transition will include extensive communication with families to ensure smooth adjustments for students and staff. Each school will also create a transition committee to include various stakeholders to assist with the transition. Additionally, the plan requires annual public hearings to review progress, gather community input, and make adjustments as needed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Board Chair Sarah DiCalogero emphasized, “Equity and sustainability are at the heart of this plan. Every student in Norfolk deserves access to a safe, modern, and inclusive learning environment. By consolidating schools thoughtfully and reinvesting in our facilities, we are ensuring resources are distributed fairly and that Norfolk Public Schools remain strong for generations to come.”
The Board acknowledged the challenges of change but reaffirmed its commitment to students, families, and staff. With careful planning, community engagement, and a focus on equity, Norfolk Public Schools is laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future.