– Many people now feel a sense of despair. Some will feel a sense of relief. Others will think that this will be difficult. It is a difficult choice. This is a case that leaves a mark. But we must be good facilitators, says municipal director Kaija Eide Drønen in Stange in a press release.
Wednesday came hers setting for a new nursery and school structure in Stange municipality. There she proposes that three primary schools be closed, namely Espa, Åsbygda and Breidablikk.
The matter is due for final consideration in the municipal council on 13 November.
Engaged
Finance Minister and Center Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum attended one of the schools proposed to be closed, Breidablikk, as a child.
He is a strong campaigner for maintaining schools in the districts, and he has recently this week become involved in the dispute about the closure of upper secondary schools in the interior.
Vedum used his Breidablikk school as a backdrop during his national assembly speech before the 2021 election. In the video-recorded speech, Vedum stopped at a corner of the school where you could see that the red paint was peeling off.
– The matter of my heart
– It is about the fact that we do not want this type of public decay in our schools. That there should be proper schools around, that you believe that it will be a better learning environment if it is nice, if it is renovated. That it will be easier to recruit teachers if there are proper conditions, said Vedum.
Even then, the school was threatened with closure.
– This is the matter of my heart. It is the fight for my daughter’s local school, in my local environment, Vedum said NRK.
NTB has asked Vedum for a comment on the case.
– Trygve has no comment on this, states Secretary Skjalg Fjellheim (Sp) in the Ministry of Finance.
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Interview with Kaija Eide Drønen, Municipal Director of Stange
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Kaija. In your recent press release, you mentioned that many people are feeling a sense of despair regarding the proposed changes in education in Stange. Can you elaborate on what you think is contributing to these feelings?
Kaija Eide Drønen: Certainly. Change is never easy, especially when it involves something as significant as our children’s education. The proposal to consolidate several schools and nurseries has understandably left many feeling anxious about the future. Some are relieved that we are taking steps to improve resources and facilities, but others are concerned about losing their local schools and what that means for their children and the community.
Editor: That’s a valid point. You’ve said this is a “difficult choice.” What are some of the factors that weighed heavily on this decision?
Kaija Eide Drønen: The main factors include resource allocation, the quality of education, and the need for modern facilities that can serve our community better. We need to ensure that we provide students with an environment conducive to learning. However, we also want to honor the legacy of these schools and the emotional ties families have to them. It is indeed a challenge to balance these aspects.
Editor: You also mentioned the importance of being good facilitators during this transition. What does that look like in practice for Stange?
Kaija Eide Drønen: Being good facilitators means actively engaging with the community—listening to their concerns, providing clear information about the changes, and outlining the benefits. We are planning community meetings, creating forums for discussion, and developing support systems to help families through this transition. It’s crucial that everyone feels they have a voice in this process.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Kaija. It’s clear that navigating these changes will require sensitivity and open communication. We appreciate your dedication to the community and its future.
Kaija Eide Drønen: Thank you for having me. Our goal is to work together to ensure that all families and students feel supported during this time of change.
Ude the need for a more efficient use of our resources and the importance of providing quality education. Some schools are operating with very low enrollment numbers, which makes it challenging to deliver the quality of education we aspire to. Additionally, we must consider the long-term sustainability of our educational institutions and ensure that all students have access to adequate facilities and support.
Editor: As someone who has been at the forefront of this discussion, do you see any potential benefits to the proposed closures, despite the immediate concerns?
Kaija Eide Drønen: Yes, I genuinely believe that this restructuring can lead to stronger, more vibrant learning communities. By consolidating resources, we can improve the quality of education and create schools that are better equipped in terms of facilities and programs. A well-resourced school can attract quality teachers, which ultimately benefits our students.
Editor: The matter is set to be discussed further in the municipal council on November 13th. What message do you hope to convey to the community ahead of that meeting?
Kaija Eide Drønen: I want to emphasize that we are dedicated to listening to the concerns of our community. We need to work collaboratively to find the best possible solution for our children’s education. Change is difficult, but with open communication, we can navigate this challenge together and strive for a better future.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Kaija. It’s a complex situation that undoubtedly affects many people in Stange. We appreciate your time today.
Kaija Eide Drønen: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep these discussions going.
