New calculations: Mette Frederiksen's "little school" will cost over 12 billion in Copenhagen
New estimates reveal that Mette Frederiksen's proposed "little school" initiative will incur costs of approximately 11.5 billion kroner in Copenhagen, far exceeding the initial budget of six billion kroner allocated by the Social Democrats for related physical changes.
New calculations indicate that the initiative proposed by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, known as the "little school" concept, will demand a staggering investment of over 11.5 billion kroner specifically for Copenhagen. This initiative envisions creating schools with a maximum of 14 students per class, designed to foster smaller class sizes for enhanced educational outcomes. However, the Copenhagen Children's and Youth Administration's assessment highlights that the cost for implementing such a project in the capital alone far exceeds the six billion kroner allocated by the Social Democrats for physical changes associated with this ambitious proposal.
The significant discrepancy between the allocated budget and the newly estimated costs raises concerns amongst political opponents and stakeholders involved in education. Louise Theilade Thomsen, a member of the Venstre party and chairman of her group's committee, has expressed alarm over the financial implications, arguing that this could strain municipal resources and divert funds from other critical educational needs. This situation intensifies the political discourse around educational funding in Denmark, questioning whether the government’s priorities align with the practical needs of the education sector.
As discussions progress, the situation remains fluid, with potential adjustments to the proposal or additional funding allocations being debated among lawmakers. The public and educational community's response will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the "little school" plan, as advocates and critics alike weigh in on its feasibility and overall benefits to the Danish education system.