Communities in Lääneranna municipality seek changes in the school system
Communities in Lääneranna municipality are requesting changes to the local school network, prompted by a new municipal government planning to reverse previous educational reforms.
In Lääneranna municipality, community members are advocating for significant changes in the local school system as the newly elected municipal government proposes to overturn the educational reforms set forth by the previous administration. The desire for these changes is driven by the communities’ belief that the prior decisions, which led to school closures and reduction of classes, did not take into account their needs and were deemed null by the Supreme Court due to insufficient community involvement.
One of the key proposals includes reestablishing the Metsküla school as a municipal institution after operating as a private school for nearly three years following its closure mandated by the earlier administration. In addition, there are requests for Virtsu school to expand its classes and for Koonga school to separate from Lääneranna gymnasium to potentially reopen its basic education level. This reflects a broader push to ensure that educational facilities better suit the local demographic and provide adequate learning environments for students.
The new local government's plan to revise the educational reforms is significant not only for the immediate stakeholders—students and families—but also suggests a shift in governance philosophy aimed at greater inclusivity in decision-making. The involvement of the Supreme Court reinforces the legitimacy of these community concerns, paving the way for a new chapter in Lääneranna's educational landscape that seeks to prioritize local voices and needs.