One proposal entails that Borg and Kalnes upper secondary schools are discontinued, that the school structure in Fredrikstad consists of one or two schools, and that educational offers and educational programs are moved between schools and/or reduced in scope.
The second proposal implies that Borg and Greåker upper secondary schools will be discontinued, that the school structure in Fredrikstad will consist of one or two schools, and that educational offers and educational programs will be moved between schools and/or reduced in scope.
The background is that Østfold County Council says they must cut NOK 344 million over the next four years, of which the education sector must take a share of NOK 167 million.
– It is with a heavy heart that we propose to discontinue two of our eleven upper secondary schools. When we nevertheless do so, it is because we believe that they are the best proposals to meet the financial savings needs and at the same time take care of the needs of students and working life in the best possible way, says Director of Education and Skills, Brynjard Rønningen, in a press release.
The county council director makes his recommendation on 7 November, i.e. a concrete proposal for a solution. After this, the proposal must go through an external consultation round. The case will be finalized in the county council on 4 December.
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**Interview with Brynjard Rønningen, Director of Education and Skills**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Brynjard. The proposals to discontinue Borg and Kalnes or Borg and Greåker upper secondary schools have stirred significant discussion. Can you explain the rationale behind these decisions?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** Certainly. The financial landscape necessitates tough choices. Østfold County must reduce its budget by NOK 344 million over the next four years, with NOK 167 million of that coming from the education sector. Discontinuing two schools allows us to reallocate educational resources effectively while still addressing the needs of students.
**Editor:** Moving forward, how do you envision the restructuring will impact students and the community in Fredrikstad?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** Our goal is to ensure that even with the reduction in the number of schools, we maintain high-quality education and opportunity for all students. We believe that concentrating programs will allow for greater specialization and better outcomes in the long run.
**Editor:** Some community members are concerned about the loss of schools and what that means for local identity and access to education. How do you respond to those fears?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** I understand those concerns. The closure of any school is a significant loss for the community. However, the proposals are designed to enhance educational offerings across fewer sites, and we’re committed to a process that engages with the community to listen to their needs and feedback.
**Editor:** As this proposal is put forward for consultation, what do you hope the community will take into account?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** We hope the community will consider the broader context of financial sustainability and the long-term benefits of a refocused educational structure. It’s vital for us to adapt to the economic realities while still prioritizing educational quality.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Brynjard. As readers, how do you feel about the potential discontinuation of these schools? Do you believe that financial sustainability is more important than maintaining multiple educational institutions? Let’s hear your thoughts.
Ducation options. While it’s natural for students and the community to be concerned about changes, we believe that consolidating schools will lead to better resource allocation and enhanced educational programs. By concentrating our efforts, we can provide a more comprehensive and tailored learning experience for all students in Fredrikstad.
**Editor:** How do you plan to support the students and staff during this transition?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** It’s imperative that we prioritize support during this transition. We will establish communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed, and provide counseling services for students who may be affected by the changes. Additionally, we will work closely with the remaining schools to ensure staff are reassigned and supported throughout this process. Our main focus is to create a seamless experience that will minimize disruption to students’ education and well-being.
**Editor:** There is concern within the community regarding potential job losses among teachers and staff. How will you address these concerns?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** We understand that job security is a significant concern in light of these changes. While we cannot guarantee that all positions will be preserved, we are committed to reassigning as many staff members as possible to other educational roles within the remaining schools. We will work diligently to provide training and support for those who may need to transition into new roles.
**Editor:** Lastly, what is the timeline for finalizing these proposals?
**Brynjard Rønningen:** The county council director will make a recommendation on November 7. Following that, there will be an external consultation round to gather feedback. Ultimately, the final decision will be made in the county council meeting scheduled for December 4. We encourage community members to participate in this process and voice their opinions during the consultations.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Brynjard. It’s clear that these decisions are challenging, and we appreciate your commitment to transparency and support throughout this process.
**Brynjard Rønningen:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective.
