VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach School Board voted to close schools for an upcoming Democrat-backed referendum that would allow mid-decade redistricting.
The referendum is scheduled for April 21. During a previous school board meeting, board member Melinda Rogers said 58 school buildings across the division are used as polling precincts during elections.
To make up for the closure, 10 minutes will be added to the school day from April 13 through June 8.
“Having the voting population come into our schools during arrival and dismissal throughout the day is logistically challenging,” Thomas Shattuck, with the office of security & emergency management, said during a previous meeting.
Watch related coverage: Norfolk superintendent to recommend closing schools ahead of April special election
Norfolk is among the Hampton Roads cities considering school closures on April 21. On Monday, Norfolk Superintendent Dr. Jeff Rose recommended to the school board that schools be closed for the referendum.
“I do not take decisions like this lightly,” Rose said. “This determination reflects careful consideration and input from both internal and external perspectives, and our continued commitment to balancing safety, stability, and strong instruction for our students and staff.”
In Chesapeake, the school board voted to make classes asynchronous on April 21. Board members also cited security concerns in this decision. 17 Chesapeake schools will serve as polling locations.
On April 21, voters will decide on the redistricting referendum that, if approved, would give Democrats a 10-to-1 advantage in the state's congressional map.
