Norfolk Public Schools Approve Redistricting and Consolidation Plan

Three schools to close in June due to declining enrollment

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:54am

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The Norfolk Public School Board unanimously approved a school consolidation plan that will close three schools at the end of the current academic year. Willoughby Early Childhood Center, Norview Elementary School, and Oceanair Elementary School will be closed, with Oceanair being repurposed into an early childhood education center. Additionally, some students from Mary Calcott Elementary will be moved to Ocean View Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year.

Why it matters

The consolidation plan is in response to declining student enrollment, which has left several school buildings underutilized. The move aims to address the district's budgetary and operational challenges, but it also raises concerns about the impact on students, especially English Second Language learners, as well as faculty and staff facing job uncertainty.

The details

The Norfolk Public School Board voted unanimously to close Willoughby Early Childhood Center, Norview Elementary School, and Oceanair Elementary School in June. Oceanair Elementary will be repurposed into an early childhood education center. Additionally, some students from Mary Calcott Elementary will be moved to Ocean View Elementary at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.

  • The school closures and consolidation plan will take effect in June 2026.
  • Some students from Mary Calcott Elementary will be moved to Ocean View Elementary at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Norfolk Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Norfolk, Virginia.

Dr. Jeff Rose

The acting superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools.

Willoughby Early Childhood Center

An early childhood education center in Norfolk that will be closed as part of the consolidation plan.

Norview Elementary School

An elementary school in Norfolk that will be closed as part of the consolidation plan.

Oceanair Elementary School

An elementary school in Norfolk that will be closed and repurposed into an early childhood education center as part of the consolidation plan.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody appreciates or wants to consolidate or close schools.”

— Dr. Jeff Rose, Acting Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools

“There was a great sense of relief for the Calcott families to know that their ESL teacher could be shared with Ocean View and the next school they are going to.”

— Unidentified speaker

“So where would a principal go that's leaving one of these schools that closing up, how can we guarantee that they're going to keep a job and not have to go to another city?”

— Unidentified speaker

What’s next

The consolidation plan is just one step in a longer process, and district leaders say there will be more conversations and engagement with the community in the coming years as they continue to address declining enrollment and budgetary challenges.

The takeaway

The Norfolk Public School Board's decision to close three schools and consolidate some students highlights the difficult choices districts face when dealing with declining enrollment. While the move aims to address operational and financial challenges, it also raises concerns about the impact on students, teachers, and the broader community, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and support as the district navigates this transition.