The districts have long awaited the report on the lower secondary school structure, which was continued on 12 December 2024, and the municipal director's recommendation regarding the lower secondary school structure.
It is gratifying to read that the conclusion was to recommend keeping the current lower secondary school structure.
The municipal director's recommendation:
- The municipal council takes note of the matter regarding the lower secondary school structure in Vågan municipality.
- On the basis of the overall assessments in the matter – including consideration of reasonable travel time, the best interests of children, high teacher competence, as well as the ongoing collaboration structures between the schools – it is resolved to maintain the current lower secondary school structure.
- The municipal council requests that emphasis instead be placed on further developing the quality of the current model through: - strengthening of professional networks and joint development work between the schools,
- improved monitoring of results and systematic sharing of experience, and
- measures that strengthen the social and academic environment without increasing the travel burden on pupils. - If changes to the lower secondary school structure are to be considered in the future, this shall be based on:
- a new consultation process with genuine involvement from pupils, parents, staff and the local community,
- an updated risk and vulnerability analysis (ROS),
- and updated data on pupil numbers, school transport and capacity. - The municipal council asks the municipal director to prepare a comprehensive school and kindergarten usage plan by the end of 2027, as a basis for future decisions on structure, capacity and quality in the upbringing sector.
If the municipal director's recommendation holds, Strauman can finally have the peace to continue building a viable community for the future and continue helping to make Vågan an attractive municipality to settle in.
The recommendation hits the mark, and we hope the political parties follow a well-considered conclusion and give the districts the peace to grow further.