Department of Education Commitment
At a meeting recently held in Vilafranca, the Department of Education has confirmed its willingness to consider the opening of a second group of Infantil 3 at the Dolors Piera School if there is sufficient demand during the pre -registration period for the next course. Montserrat Duran, General Director of Public Centers, and Ignasi Giménez, director of the Territorial Services, dialogue with representatives of unions, directions and AFA of public schools.
Context of the decision
This proposal arises in a time of tensions in the educational field in the town, where the closure of a group has recently been announced at the Dolors Piera School and a reduction in the ratio of students per class has been requested. The aim is to adapt to the variations in the birth and educational offer available.
Birth data and implications
Statistics indicate that the number of children of age starting at I3 has decreased dramatically in the reference area, from 80 last year to only 45 this year. This fall has led to the justification of the closure of a group in one of the most prominent public schools in the area.
City Council Reaction and AFA
The City Council of Vilafranca has made it clear that the decision on the closure is not final, and has expressed its commitment to keep groups open if the demand allows it. Gemma Romeu, Councilor for Education, had a meeting with family associations to discuss the reduction of ratios, which is presented as a solution to avoid closures.
Parents’ demands
Family associations have requested that they apply ratios of 17 students in all centers, both public and concerted, in order to foster equality of opportunity and prevent school segregation. This measure is considered vital for inclusive education.
The future of education in Vilafranca
Experts and authorities agree that the closure of groups can be an inevitable situation if the demand is not increased, with the possibility of future closures in the following courses. Also, the ERC municipal group has proposed legal changes to guarantee a more responsible and equitable educational offer.
With the voices of the educational community and the authorities at stake, the debate on education in Vilafranca is still open, with a focus on the need for educational planning that responds to the current and future needs of the population.
