Dozens of educational institutions participated in the initiative. The school demonstration coincides with the Ministry of Education and Science’s publicized intention to alter the teacher salary funding structure, which could expedite the process of school streamlining. Specifically, the government will cease to provide funding based on the number of students in the district, opting instead to allocate funds directly to individual schools.
Under this new system, districts will no longer have the authority to redistribute public funds to prioritize smaller schools. Consequently, districts may be compelled to reorganize their educational infrastructure swiftly; otherwise, teachers’ salaries might have to be self-funded.
Furthermore, today’s gathering at Baltinava High School addressed concerns that the institution might lose its high school status due to enrollment criteria.
Imants Slišānas, the school’s principal, remarked, “I am realistic about the immediate impact of our actions, but it is crucial to raise awareness.”
He added, “Our demonstration signifies our solidarity and our plea for special consideration and support for border regions like ours in Latgale, Latvia.”
Gunita Logina, the spokesperson for the parent council of Riga Catholic Gymnasium, stressed that the schools aim to urge the ministry to heed the community’s voice and reconsider the proposed reforms.
Logina emphasized, “Children are not mere statistics on a spreadsheet; they are the future of Latvia!”
At midday, a group comprising students, teachers, and parents congregated outside the premises of the private secondary school “Gaismas tilts 97,” chanting national and school anthems in a show of solidarity for smaller educational institutions. Concerns loom over whether the new regulations will impact private schools like Gaismas tilts.
The organizers underscored the unity of purpose, stating, “We are all part of the same community,” and expressed hope that rural schools, private institutions, and specialized educational centers will receive increased support from urban counterparts in the future.