Baldones Primary School is planned to be closed and merged with the high school; pupils' parents will protest
Parents of students at Baldones Primary School are protesting its planned closure by the Ķekava municipality, citing a lack of communication and concern over the impact on their children.
In Ķekava municipality, nearly 800 individuals have signed a petition opposing the closure of Baldones Primary School, which is set to merge with a high school. The sudden announcement has taken parents by surprise, as they were only informed of the plans a month prior, leading to feelings of shock and urgency among the community. Parents, led by representative Daina Lipiniece, express their strong disapproval, highlighting that the school is far from underpopulated, contrary to the municipality's claims about declining enrolment. The children's emotional attachment to their small school environment further fuels parents' determination to protest the decision.
The Ķekava municipality justifies its plan by citing predictions of a rapid decline in the number of students enrolling in the first grade. However, parents believe that the closure is premature, as the community has not been fully engaged in the decision-making process. Daina Lipiniece emphasizes that the local school is a vital part of the community, servicing more than a handful of students, and the swift action taken by the municipality caught them off guard. The parents argue that the impact of such closures can be detrimental, as children thrive in familiar environments and benefit from strong community ties.
The situation around Baldones Primary School highlights a broader issue involving the accountability of local government decisions and the need for transparent communication with the community. As parents prepare to protest, they are attempting to raise awareness of the importance of local schools in fostering community cohesion and providing quality education. Their resistance reflects a collective desire to ensure that the educational needs of their children are met, urging the municipality to reconsider its decision in favor of their community's educational landscape.