Due to tighter finances, changes in working life and a drop in student numbers from 2028, a review of the training offer and school structure is underway, according to Østfold county municipality their websites.
In the autumn, the county council went through an impact assessment of possible measures, and on Monday the county council will present proposals for changes to the training offer and the school structure in the county.
Considering selling Folkehojskole
In the impact assessment, the county council asked the schools in the county for feedback on a number of different proposals. “Organisational amalgamation of upper secondary schools in the various cities/areas in the county” and “Not continuing Skjeberg folk high school as a county municipal offer”, were among the measures presented.
Skjeberg folk high school, which is owned by the county council, has so far not been considered for closure, but the county administration is now considering the consequences of a possible sale of the school. In addition to the county council owning the building mass, they also support the school in HR, salaries and finances.
Headmaster Lene Dyrkorn has previously said so Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad that it is an open question whether the school will continue to be run if it is sold.
– You can probably get a few fresh kroner in by selling, but I’m not really worried. Among other things, there are some venerable buildings here that are unlikely to be easy to sell, says principal Lene Dyrkorn.
Department for pupils down psychological challenges threatened
The Lillebekk department at Glemmen school, a department for students with mental health challenges, may also be at risk. The around 70 students there fear losing the school offer, write Fredriksstad Blad.
According to the newspaper, teachers, pupils and guardians of the pupils at the Lillebekk department have warned Østfold county council as strongly as they can against closing down the department.
– The consequences it would have had for me if Lillebekk did not exist would have been increased anxiety, loneliness, disappointment and burnout created by the large school environment, says the deputy leader of the student council at the school to Fredriksstad Blad.
The proposals presented on Monday will go through a week’s consultation round before the county council director presents his recommendation on 7 November. The case will be finalized in the county council in December.
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Interview with Maria Sørensen, Education Director of Østfold County Municipality
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Maria. Can you provide a brief overview of the current situation regarding the training offers and school structure in Østfold?
Maria Sørensen: Absolutely, thank you for having me. We’ve initiated a comprehensive review of our training offers and school structures due to several pressing factors, including tighter financial circumstances, changing work patterns, and a significant anticipated drop in student numbers starting in 2028. Our aim is to ensure that we can provide quality education effectively and sustainably.
Editor: It sounds like there are significant changes on the horizon. Can you tell us about the proposals that will be presented by the county council?
Maria Sørensen: Yes, in the coming week, we will be presenting various proposals based on an impact assessment we’ve conducted. These include potential organizational amalgamations of upper secondary schools in different cities within the county to streamline resources and enhance educational offerings. Additionally, we are evaluating the future of Skjeberg folk high school and whether it should continue as a county municipal offering.
Editor: Skjeberg folk high school has a long history in the community. What factors are contributing to the consideration of its potential sale?
Maria Sørensen: Skjeberg folk high school has indeed been a vital part of our educational landscape. However, with the financial difficulties we’re facing and the evolving needs of our students, we need to explore all options. The potential sale of the school is being considered as part of broader discussions on how we can best allocate our resources for the remaining schools and programs.
Editor: How has the feedback from schools influenced these discussions?
Maria Sørensen: The feedback has been invaluable. Schools were asked to provide insights on the proposals, and we are carefully considering their input. This dialogue is essential, as it ensures that any measures we implement are informed by the perspectives and needs of educators and students alike.
Editor: What are the next steps after the proposals are presented?
Maria Sørensen: Once we present the proposals, we will enter a consultation phase where we engage with stakeholders, including parents, students, and staff, to gather their thoughts and concerns. This ongoing feedback will be crucial as we finalize decisions that impact our educational landscape. Our goal is to foster an environment where every student can thrive within a structure that is both effective and sustainable.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that navigating these changes is a complex but important process for the future of education in Østfold.
Maria Sørensen: Thank you for having me. We are committed to ensuring that any changes made serve the best interests of our students and communities.
Nd training programs. It’s a challenging decision, as we weigh financial viability against the emotional and educational investment that the community has in the school.
Editor: There are also concerns regarding the Lillebekk department at Glemmen school, which supports students with mental health challenges. What can you tell us about that situation?
Maria Sørensen: Yes, the Lillebekk department is crucial for those students, and we understand the fear and anxiety surrounding any potential changes. The feedback we’ve received from students, parents, and staff about the importance of this program has been heard loud and clear. Our priority is to find solutions that ensure the continued support for these students while also addressing the financial constraints we face.
Editor: What steps will you take to ensure that the community’s voice is heard during this consultation process?
Maria Sørensen: We are committed to a transparent and inclusive consultation process. The proposals will undergo a week’s consultation where everyone will have the opportunity to provide their feedback and input. The county council is deeply invested in understanding the implications of these changes. We value our students and communities, and their voices will play a crucial role in the final recommendations we present.
Editor: Thank you for the insights, Maria. It’s clear that there are many complex factors at play, and we appreciate your commitment to navigating these changes thoughtfully.
Maria Sørensen: Thank you for having me. We want what’s best for our students and the future of education in Østfold. It’s a difficult journey, but we will work together with the community to find the best path forward.
