Norfolk Schools Unveil Consolidation and Budget Plans

Interim superintendent presents proposal to close 9 schools and increase funding for employee compensation, recruitment, maintenance, and safety.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Norfolk Public Schools is moving forward with a plan to consolidate its school district, closing 9 schools and redrawing district boundaries, as well as proposing a new budget that prioritizes employee compensation, recruitment, maintenance, and safety. The consolidation and budget proposals will be presented to the School Board in the coming weeks, with a public hearing and final votes scheduled for March. The changes come as the district faces declining enrollment, with student population down nearly 28% over the past 20 years.

Why it matters

The proposed consolidation and budget changes aim to address the financial strains of operating underutilized school buildings due to declining enrollment in Norfolk. The district hopes these measures will allow it to better allocate resources and focus on the evolving needs of its student population.

The details

The consolidation plan's first phase would close Willoughby Early Childhood Center and repurpose Oceanair Elementary as a new early childhood center, with its current elementary students redistributed to nearby schools. Norview Elementary would also close, with its students moving to other schools. The proposed $472 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 would increase funding, with the majority going towards wages, salaries, and benefits. It includes raises for teachers and custodial staff, while eliminating 18 non-instructional positions. The budget also requests more city funding for capital improvement projects, including debt service for the Maury High School project and HVAC replacements at other schools.

  • The consolidation proposal will be presented to the School Board on Feb. 18.
  • A public hearing on the proposed budget and consolidation plan is scheduled for March 4.
  • The School Board will vote on the consolidation plan and budget on March 18.
  • The new superintendent, Jeff Rose, will start work on Feb. 23.

The players

James Pohl

Interim superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools who presented the consolidation and budget proposals.

Jeff Rose

The new superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, who will start work on Feb. 23.

Norfolk Public Schools

The school district in Norfolk, Virginia that is implementing the consolidation and budget changes.

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What they’re saying

“Enrollment remains our single largest financial driver. While our total student population has declined, the needs of our students have increased.”

— James Pohl, Interim Superintendent (pilotonline.com)

“This is a disciplined, student-centered budget developed under real constraints that continues to support the division's strategic plan and the board's goals to ensure we're focusing on the needs of all our students.”

— James Pohl, Interim Superintendent (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The School Board will vote on the consolidation plan and budget on March 18. If approved, the new superintendent, Jeff Rose, will have been in the role for just over three weeks.

The takeaway

Norfolk Public Schools is taking proactive steps to address declining enrollment and evolving student needs through a comprehensive consolidation plan and budget that prioritizes employee compensation, facility maintenance, and targeted investments. These changes aim to ensure the district can continue providing quality education despite financial constraints.