The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education voted to adopt a school closure and consolidation plan drafted Sept. 29 after a lengthy workshop discussion and public comment.

Chairwoman Takalajero called the business meeting following a prior workshop discussion. Superintendent Dr. Pohl and staff summarized the survey results and transition work; staff told board members the survey produced roughly 80 responses and that facilities and transition supports — including transportation and priority job fairs for displaced teachers — are under consideration. Dr. Pohl clarified to the public that "no schools will be closing midyear. Schools will be closing at the beginning of the 26–27 academic year." He said the division was discussing possible stipends for teachers who follow students to new schools.

Public commenters urged caution and asked for more time in several ways. Parents and community members — including Liz Albert, Charlotte Smith Worley, Carl Poole, Nicole Stewart, Lisa Walker and Jared Reiber — addressed the board during the citizen-comment period. Concerns included perceived rushed timelines, the adequacy of academic-transition plans, equity and historical patterns of resource distribution, and the specific impact on military families and students at schools such as Norview and Terrellton/Tarleton Elementary.

Board members voiced contrasting views. Several members pressed for moving forward with the plan and said the district has delayed action for years; others urged delaying any move that would close a high-utilization school until redistricting and boundary work are complete so staff can prepare stronger transition plans. Colonel Paulson, Doctor Martin and others acknowledged community concerns but argued the plan would allow the division to begin necessary rightsizing. Board member Tanya Bassin stated she was not comfortable moving Norview in the first year and asked that boundary work be completed first.

The board took a roll-call vote on the motion to adopt the Sept. 29 consolidation plan. The motion was moved by Doctor Martin and seconded by Miss Moorebuffalo. Roll-call votes as recorded in the meeting transcript: Bassin — Nay; Buffalo — Aye; Inge — Aye; Martin — Aye; Paulson — Aye; Amis — Aye (given reluctantly on the record); Takalajero — Aye. The motion passed.

During the meeting staff also disclosed that Woolpert (consultant firm) had recently dropped its facilities planning department; the board was told the division remains under contract with Woolpert for rezoning and redistricting work but that the ed-planning role may require a future request for proposals. Board members flagged that change as a potential complication for future planning.

Speakers representing schools up for consolidation said they want clear, written transition plans and time for families to adjust. Jared Reiber, a parent from Terrellton Elementary, said the school has a high proportion of military children and asked the board to delay closing “two years till Tarleton closes” so students and families have time to adapt.

Board members and staff said they will continue redistricting work and planning through early 2026 and emphasized the division’s stated intent to provide transportation and targeted supports after rezoning. The superintendent and staff also said principals and teachers will be involved in transition planning, and the division is examining stipends and staffing supports for teachers who follow students to new buildings.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Adopt school closure and consolidation plan (dated 09/29/2025). Moved: Doctor Martin. Second: Miss Moorebuffalo. Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded; Bassin voted Nay; all other voting members present voted Aye). Effective timing specified by staff: closures would take effect at the start of the 2026–27 school year, not midyear.

- Also reported: staff said the public survey produced about 80 responses; the facilities committee’s comments were shared with the board; Woolpert advised of a staffing change affecting the division’s ed-planning support.

The board directed staff to continue boundary and redistricting work and to detail transition plans for affected students and staff. Several board members requested that staff emphasize academic supports and communications to families as the process continues.