The government has a plan to save small schools. But he also admits that the voice of local governments must be listened to, as we read in the GW on Friday.
246 schools in Poland may be closed or transformed. This is how many applications from local governments were received by probation offices between September 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. In Mazovia, there are 14 applications for liquidation, in Silesia – 13, in Lubelskie province – 9, we read in Gazeta Wyborcza on Friday.
One of the most common reasons for closing schools/nursery schools is the unfavorable demographic situation
– said Andrzej Kulmatycki, spokesman for the Mazovian Education Council, quoted by “GW”.
The newspaper recalls that if the director gives a negative opinion, the local government cannot close the school. We read that “this rule was introduced by the PiS government” and that during its term, school boards did not agree to the closure of institutions, but “now this is about to change.”
Closing schools is a matter for local governments. They should be given more opportunities. And this is crucial
– said Joanna Mucha, deputy minister of education, quoted in “GW”.
The newspaper reports that there are municipalities where it is possible to fight for the survival of small schools in a different way. The government has another idea here: not only create nursery classes there, but also daycare centers. Small schools could become a cultural center that provides care for young children.
This is a model known from Finland
– we read in “GW”.
tkwl/PAP
Source: wPolityce