The downturn in Małopolska’s education system has ended. Barbara Nowak has resigned from the role of education inspector for Małopolska, a move announced by the Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, in Kraków on Friday. Gabriela Olszowska was appointed acting curator of education for Lesser Poland.
During the campaign, parties aligned with the October 15 Coalition pledged support for Polish schools.
Nowacka stated that the difficult period for education in Małopolska, which some tried to impose through the appointment of a new curator, has concluded. She added that the resignation marks a turning point for the region.
Today the resignation of Barbara Nowak from her duties was signed by the minister. During the transition, Gabriela Olszowska will oversee the responsibilities of the Małopolska Education Inspector.
The dismissal of Małopolska’s education inspector, Barbara Nowak, represents the first in a series of changes planned for the other 15 inspectors by year-end, according to the new Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, in Kraków.
The Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, and the Voivode of Małopolska, Krzysztof Klęczar, announced that Barbara Nowak, who had held the post since 2016, had been removed from the role of education inspector for Małopolska.
Nowacka expressed satisfaction at the prospect of restoring stability to education in Małopolska, speaking at a press conference held at the Małopolska Voivodeship office.
The minister noted that the remaining fifteen dismissals of education inspectors would take place by the end of the year and emphasized that peace must be restored to Małopolska’s education system. She added that teachers and school leaders should be reminded that their work for schools often has a positive impact.
The board does not intend to restrict participation in theater performances, punish directors for political matters, or engage in heated arguments on social media. The World Board of Governors will assist schools and advocate for sensible, responsible education in Poland, Nowacka stated.
Olszowska: The education inspector should be a guardian, not a prosecutor
Olszowska argued that an education inspector should serve as a guardian rather than a prosecutor. Krzysztof Klęczar, the Voivode of Lesser Poland, described the former inspector Barbara Nowak as a symbol of contempt and ideological dominance over common sense.
The minister confirmed the resignation of Barbara Nowak and announced Gabriela Olszowska as acting curator for Lesser Poland.
Krzysztof Klęczar also remarked that curator Barbara Nowak had been a symbol of the controversial campaign rhetoric that Poles rejected in recent parliamentary elections, highlighting a broader message about respect and constructive engagement in education.
Olszowska stressed that the education inspector should act as a guardian, not an accuser. She expressed readiness to work and to receive help where needed, underscoring a collaborative approach.
She called on children, educators, parents, student councils, teachers, and school directors to support one another and work toward joint solutions.
Farewell to Barbara Nowak
Nowak responded to the decision on social media, thanking teachers, education workers, students, and their parents for the many meetings, shared experiences, and the commitment to safeguarding the region’s schools and cultural centers. She wished that Małopolska’s schools and kindergartens remain safe and welcoming for all children.
tkwl/PAP/X