A new member joins the board of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, an organization that oversees the Erasmus+ program and supports educational advancement. The appointee is Dr. Sławomir Drelich, associated with Szymon Hołownia’s Poland 2050 party, which participated in recent parliamentary elections but did not secure a seat. During the campaign, Poland 2050 promoted the idea of Civic Poland, an end to partisanship and nepotism. This background was shared by Radek Karbowski, a researcher who builds databases on Polish politicians as part of the Political Shortcut initiative on the X platform. He noted the party affiliation in detailing the board composition.
According to Karbowski, the Foundation Board also includes Joanna Mucha, an MP from Poland 2050 and the Chair; Urszula Augustyn, an MP from KO; Tomasz Bratek, an official close to Warsaw’s leadership under Rafał Trzaskowski; Kinga Gajewska, an MP from KO; and Dorota Loboda, another KO MP. These names reflect a diverse political spectrum represented within the board, illustrating a broader expert base that the organization considers when guiding educational policy and program implementation.
Clarification from the Poland 2050 spokesperson
Karbowski sought a response from Katarzyna Karpa-Świderek, the Poland 2050 spokesperson, to address the appointment and its implications for the Foundation’s mission. The spokesperson explained the selection process and the rationale behind including Dr. Drelich on the board.
The Foundation states that the board is elected in accordance with its statutes through a pluralistic process. Dr. Drelich was chosen for his professional expertise and substantive competencies in education. He is recognized as a seasoned teacher with a long history of academic work and public engagement. His academic credentials include doctoral studies at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, along with postdoctoral studies in areas such as business administration, legal studies, educational management, public administration, and environmental management.
The Poland 2050 spokeswoman was quoted emphasizing that the appointment aligns with the goal of strengthening the educational system. The spokesperson argued that improving education requires involvement from the best specialists who possess both knowledge of the educational landscape and a genuine commitment to working with young people. This perspective was presented as a foundational argument in support of the decision.
Supporters of the appointment argue that a broad mix of political perspectives on the board can contribute to more balanced governance and policy development. They contend that having diverse voices helps ensure reforms are practical and grounded in the realities of the education sector. Critics, however, question whether party affiliation influenced the choice and whether competence alone was the deciding factor. They suggest that this dynamic might reflect broader political calculations rather than a focus solely on the needs of the education system.
In summary, the board’s composition is seen by supporters as a step toward bringing experienced educators and public administrators into a leadership role that can drive meaningful reforms. Critics remain cautious, pointing to concerns about political influence and the potential for partisanship affecting strategic decisions. The discussion continues as the Foundation advances its agenda to strengthen educational outcomes and support students across the country.
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Source: wPolityce