NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Public Schools is looking for community members to join the new Long-Range Facility Plan Steering Committee. The committee is part of a larger initiative to modernize the school system’s facilities.
A letter sent to parents and community stakeholders states the school system has faced “ongoing financial challenges” due to a decline in students. Over the past decade, Norfolk Public Schools’ student body has decreased by more than 400 students annually. The schools have room for 37,000 students, but less than 27,000 students are currently enrolled. This initiative aims to optimize resources by creating “well-resourced learning spaces” for those students currently enrolled.
The initiative also aims to modernize Norfolk Public Schools facilities, more than half of which are more than 50 years old. A 2019 Facility Condition Assessment found that there are nearly $500 million in facility needs.
The committee will meet between three and five times before June 2025 to review data and explore options for optimizing the system’s school portfolio.
To apply to join the committee community members can fill out the survey on the Norfolk Public Schools website.
Norfolk Public Schools say there will be ways to get involved later in the process as well, including community meetings and focus groups.