In the Bauska region of Latvia, discussions are underway regarding potential reforms affecting six schools, including Codes Primary School, which currently serves only 37 students. Officials have noted that the minimum number of students required for a primary school is 45 according to existing criteria. This situation has raised concerns among local educators and community members about the viability and future of small rural schools, particularly as Codes School has seen declining enrollment and faces the risk of being restructured or closed altogether.

The local school director, Laila Juricka, highlighted the significance of maintaining a primary school in a rural area with a population of 1,400 residents. She argued that lowering educational standards could lead to the eventual disappearance of the school, impacting local families and the community's future. Juricka emphasized that the availability of a school is vital for rural life, asserting that without it, young families may choose to relocate, further jeopardizing the area's population and economic vitality. The potential downsizing of such institutions could have long-term detrimental effects on rural communities.

Parents have also voiced their apprehensions, as seen in the comments from Ivita Jansone, a mother of a 7th-grade student. She expressed a strongly held belief that individual attention and a secure environment are crucial for children's education, particularly for those who may face bullying or other challenges. The uncertain fate of Pilsrundāle High School revealed a broader sentiment within the community about the importance of preserving local educational institutions, which are seen as lifelines for families and connections to rural identity. As these schools face potential reform, there is growing concern that the needs of local students may not be adequately met, underscoring the delicate balance between administrative criteria and community needs.