On February 13, Polish lawmakers passed an amendment to the Education Law aimed at ensuring the survival of small primary schools amid changing demographics. The amendment is designed to allow children in grades I - III to learn closer to their homes, thus supporting local communities. In a statement made to the PAP Local Government Service, Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka emphasized the significance of schools in small towns and villages, asserting that where there is no school, there is little reason for families to settle and live in those areas. She characterizes the school as the 'center of life' in these communities.

Minister Nowacka also criticized the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), stating that they have previously ignored the problems faced by small schools and prevented their closure. In her perspective, empty schools are detrimental to local social structures, failing to contribute positively to community development. She advocates for maintaining these institutions and stresses the importance of vibrant local life in smaller municipalities as a reason for her legislative proposal.

By proposing a new law to safeguard small schools, Nowacka aims to revitalize these localities and promote stability in rural education. Her strong statements reflect a broader concern about the impact of educational policy on demographic trends and community cohesion in Poland, especially as rural areas face declining populations. The Minister's focus on maintaining small schools reveals a conflict between educational governance and the socio-economic realities of Poland's smaller communities, raising questions about the future of education policy in these regions.