The end of an era for Mireia School
After more than sixty years of service to the community, Escola Mireia will close at the end of the next academic year. This decision, unfortunately, is not an isolated case; in the last five years, Barcelona has seen seven subsidized educational centers disappear, a worrying sign of the difficulties facing the sector.
Factors that precipitate the closure
The extinction of so many schools cannot be attributed to a single reason. The decrease in the number of children is one cause, but economic reality is what has really endangered the viability of many schools. The Catalan School Association, which represents several institutions in Barcelona and Catalonia, has highlighted that schools with a stronger social commitment are the ones that suffer the most from the consequences.
The role of the Catalan School Association
Eva Salvà, general director of the organization, explains that institutions that work with vulnerable students are the ones facing the most difficulties. Non-payments and the late arrival of public aid have created a deficit that is unsustainable.
Impact of delayed aid
The Group has warned of the serious consequences of delays in granting aid. Many schools have seen an increase in the number of vulnerable students who depend on the Education Consortium to cover basic expenses, such as materials and outings. However, the wait to receive these funds can be long, forcing schools to advance costs.
An unsustainable burden
Some institutions face monthly expenses that can exceed 20,000 euros, an amount that is unbearable in a context of student loss and chronic underfunding.
The situation of small schools
Smaller schools, such as Escola Vedruna Àngels, located in one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of Barcelona, are particularly affected. With 95% of students benefiting from meal subsidies, the director, Eduard Riudavets, reveals that his institution can continue to operate thanks to its membership of a support network.
The importance of community support
Riudavets acknowledges that without this support, Escola Vedruna Àngels would have closed long ago. Its situation is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions come together to face adversity.
Criticism of the underfunding of the Generalitat
The employers’ associations of charter schools have highlighted the problem of underfunding that they have been suffering for years. The situation requires an urgent review of the 1993 staffing decree to guarantee a fairer playing field for these institutions.
An obsolete model
Although the Catalan Education Law stipulates that private education should be free for families, the reality is that schools can only cover 60% of their expenses with public funds, leaving 40% to be paid for by family fees.
In recent years, several policymakers have publicly acknowledged the scarcity of resources for concerted education, but to date no significant changes to the concert model have been implemented.