Later this year, new rules will allow local government officials to appoint school directors for another term, without the need for school board involvement or competitive procedures. This was announced by Barbara Nowacka, the Minister of National Education, and Henryk Kiepura, the ministry’s deputy head, during a weekend briefing in Kłobuck, in the Silesian Voivodeship.
During the joint press conference in Nowacka, Kiepura stated that another consultation on implementing education bills will be held on Friday. One proposal under discussion is to expand the authority of local governments in selecting directors for educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education is starting a process to remove what its leadership describes as excessive barriers created by predecessors. The aim is to empower local governments, including municipal heads, mayors, and district presidents, to appoint directors for the next term without a mandatory competition or the full involvement of school boards that local authorities and directors have criticized as bottlenecks.
— said the deputy minister, emphasizing the one-term limit and the desire to free local governments to make such appointments for several years ahead.
Later this year, rules will be introduced allowing local government officials to appoint capable directors for a new term, including municipal heads, mayors, presidents, and district councils. — added Kiepura, highlighting that this will cover a single term and aligns with the ministry’s plan to unblock local decision-making on these appointments.
If a director proves to be effective and the school delivers strong educational results, there should be no reason to restrict that leadership or force unnecessary competition, according to the deputy head of the ministry. — he argued, critiquing the PiS administration for promoting artificial competition that could hinder successful directors.
During Saturday’s visit to the Silesian region, Minister Nowacka toured School Complex No. 1 in Kłobuck and previously visited the complex in Krzepice, including the high school named after Prof. Zembali in Krzepice. The discussions focused on strengthening vocational education, which the minister emphasized as vital for local communities and the labor market.
The state’s task, she noted, is to invest in education and science across all levels and forms. Vocational and industrial training were highlighted as priorities essential for economic growth, ensuring a workforce with high skills and competencies.
— Nowacka stated at the press conference. According to her, local authorities who invest and attract investors contribute to strong vocational education. School leadership that remains open to future-oriented directions also plays a key role, including in smaller towns where teachers enable youth to grow while balancing patriotism with modernity and respect for diversity. She stressed that future directions vary by region, making school flexibility and alignment with local labor markets crucial.
At the ministry, efforts will focus on expanding the number of future-ready professions by ensuring robust staff, modern equipment, and a strong profile for vocational education. The ministry has observed years of underachievement in this area and plans to reverse that trend by investing in new opportunities for learners.
— the head of the ministry added. She highlighted that possessing a solid profession is especially important in the context of new technologies and a rapidly changing world.
She also pointed to the ministry’s responsibility to keep schools financially stable. She noted that nearly 90 percent of promised teacher pay increases have already been disbursed, with a wider plan to keep education salaries aligned with growth expectations. — she stated.
Regional Education Inspector Aleksandra Dyla, who attended the briefing, described vocational education as a priority and said she would encourage school leaders to push development in this area. It involves adapting education to a dynamic labor market and engaging with craft chambers and other institutions to support such growth.
— she emphasized and indicated future discussions would include not only school directors but also other partners in the training ecosystem.
Notable progress
Regarding the changes in principal appointments, Nowacka called this a significant qualitative shift, marked by openness to innovation and collaboration with school leaders. Curators must serve as dedicated public servants, not party appointees, she asserted. Removing party influence from school boards had a positive impact on the functioning of the education system and on relationships within Polish education, she argued.
Politics matters, she conceded, but schools and school boards should operate free from partisan activities. Their task is to develop every student, respect all visions, and ensure that school management and teachers feel autonomous and supported.
Ministry representatives praised the idea, while critics noted that political factors could still influence the selection of directors. The discussion emphasized the need for objective evaluation of candidates and professional verification of their competencies, rather than political considerations. The debate continues as local governments weigh the potential benefits of expanding their role in director appointments.
These developments reflect ongoing debates about governance, education quality, and the balance between local autonomy and centralized standards. The emphasis remains on strengthening vocational pathways, investing in teacher preparation and compensation, and ensuring schools can adapt to local labor demands with secure funding and governance.
[citation: wPolityce]