School Board Approves Closing Four Elementary Schools

Norfolk's board voted unanimously to advance Phase II of its school consolidation plan, closing four elementary schools after the current academic year.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Primary Education

School Board Approves Closing Four Elementary Schools

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The Norfolk School Board voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance Phase II of school consolidation, which will close Granby, Lindenwood, P-B Young, and Tarrallton elementary schools after the current academic year. Ghent Elementary's closure has been delayed with no date set.

Why it matters

Superintendent Jeff Rose said the financial need to close these schools is urgent, and the decision affects families across Norfolk whose children attend the affected schools.

The vote covered four elementary schools—Granby, Lindenwood, P-B Young, and Tarrallton—which will close after the current academic year. Ghent Elementary's closure remains delayed, with no date announced.

The players

Norfolk School Board

The elected body governing Norfolk Public Schools, which approved the consolidation plan at its Wednesday meeting.

Jeff Rose

Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, who chose to bring Phase II to a vote instead of delaying it and argued the financial need is urgent.

The details

Board members outlined a plan to relocate students from the closing schools to other existing schools. Separately, Willoughby Early Childhood Center and Norview Elementary were returned to the City of Norfolk by unanimous vote, and Superintendent Rose chose to vote on Phase II rather than delay it another month.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026: School Board votes to advance Phase II of consolidation.
Next academic school year: Phase II elementary school closures take effect.

Roadmap

Phase II continues the multi-stage consolidation that Norfolk Public Schools began under its earlier Phase I plan, extending the district's effort to close underused buildings. The move marks a further step in reshaping the city's elementary footprint as it responds to financial pressure.

Families with children at Granby, Lindenwood, P-B Young, or Tarrallton elementary schools will need to plan for relocation to other schools after the current academic year. Ghent Elementary families should watch for a closure date, which has not yet been set.

The takeaway

Families in affected neighborhoods should review school assignment information as relocation plans are finalized for the next academic year. Staying informed through School Board meetings can help parents understand how consolidation decisions will affect their children.