The Norfolk (Virginia) school district has released a preliminary list of facilities that it may close.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that engineering consultant Woolpert developed the list of schools that could be closed after the Norfolk City Council directed the Norfolk School Board to create a plan to close and consolidate 10 schools or risk punitive action.
The preliminary list of schools set for closure:
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Tarrallton Elementary School
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Willoughby Early Childhood Center
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P. B. Young Sr. Elementary School
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Lindenwood Elementary School
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Berkley Campostella Early Childhood Education Center
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Norview Elementary School
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The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs Center
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The city mandate to close schools comes in response to a steady decline in student enrollment. It has dropped by 22% since 2010, from 31,176 students to a projected 24,459 students in 2025, according to the City Council.
Other recommendations from the consultant: arebuilding Maury High School, as well as Suburban Park Elementary School and Jacox Elementary School.
Monroe Elementary School, Oceanair Elementary School, St. Helena Elementary School, Chesterfield Elementary School and Lake Taylor High School would be repurposed under the plan to accommodate students displaced by closed schools and programs.
The average age of the Norfolk district's 49 facilities is 55 years old, 6 years older than the national average.
