Norfolk’s school board voted 6-1 to delay a high-stakes plan to close nine schools, scheduling a special meeting for Sept. 29. The postponement followed public pushback over last-minute drafting and concerns about how students would be reassigned and facilities repurposed.

Critics argued the process was rushed and threatened to undermine neighborhood schools, while Ghent and Maury supporters pressed for keeping or reshaping programs to avoid reduced athletics facilities. City leaders had urged a clear timeline as the district grapples with a multibillion-dollar repair bill and the prospect of redistricting in 2026-27, tying funding decisions to pace and priorities.

The nine closures would reshape where students attend classes and how campuses are used. Notable moves include closing Willoughby ECC and Berkley ECC by year’s end, repurposing Lake Taylor High into a full CTE center, and funneling Lindenwood into a professional development site. The rest would unfold across 2026-27 through 2034 as redistricting progresses.

Overall, district officials contend the plan aims to balance enrollment, maximize underused space, and address more than $900 million in needed repairs, including $145 million in urgent needs, as they navigate political pressure and public sentiment ahead of the September vote.