The directors of the three institutions left to reopen after DANA, in the municipalities of Alfafar, Albal and Benetùsser, announced this Sunday that they had decided not to resume lessons this Monday, as planned. do not have “safety” certification. of the centers, while the Department of Education insists that they have the document.
The Ministry reported this saturday in a statement that the three institutes were ready to resume lessons, but that their directors had informed the Generalitat that they would not do so. The STEPV union sent a joint statement from the management of these centers this Sunday, in which they assure that “from today” They don’t have any documents certify the safety of the centers after the interventions carried out in them after the floods.
They also add that “the opening of the centers “It is contingent on the completion of some important tasks.” According to the statement, “the managers’ intention from the beginning was to open the centers as quickly as possible, but the pace of work of the managers of the Department of education was different”. However, the Department reiterated that the three have certificates from the companies that carried out the repairs and are aware of it.
STEPV, for its part, was assured by the Minister of Education “He can’t stay in office another minute” for accusing executives of refusing to reopen after DANA. “The indecency of this councilor has no limits. Not only did he abandon the educational community to its fate in the most challenging moments after DANA, but now he dedicates himself to blaming the management of the centers for his ineffectiveness and incompetence”, states the union in a statement.
The PSPV parliamentary group from the Valencian city of Les Corts also criticized Rovira “charge against administrators” of the institutes affected by DANA “simply because they are coherent people who care about their students” and calls for their resignation.
What are the key safety concerns for schools reopening after flooding?
Interview: Unpacking the Issues Surrounding School Reopening After DANA Flooding
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today. We’re here too discuss the pressing situation regarding the reopening of schools in the municipalities of Alfafar, Albal, and Benetùsser following the recent DANA flooding. Our expert guest is Dr. Elena Marcos, an educational policy specialist. Dr. Marcos, can you help us understand the current standoff between the school directors and the Department of Education?
Dr. Elena Marcos: Absolutely, thank you for having me. The situation is quite complex. The directors of the three institutions have chosen to delay resuming lessons due to concerns over safety certification for the facilities, despite the Department of Education asserting that the necessary documentation has been provided. This clash raises significant questions about accountability and student safety.
Editor: It sounds like a classic case of miscommunication. What are the implications of this disagreement for the students and the broader educational community?
Dr. Marcos: When educational facilities are unable to reopen, it disrupts the learning process for students, creates logistical nightmares for parents, and ultimately erodes trust in the educational administration. Additionally, the impact extends beyond the immediate school environment—our educational institutions serve as community hubs. The prolonged absence of classes can lead to increased educational gaps,especially for vulnerable populations.
Editor: You mentioned accountability.The Ministry of Education has maintained that the Centro’s certifications should suffice. How do you evaluate this from an administrative standpoint?
Dr.Marcos: From an administrative perspective, transparency is vital. If the Department of Education believes the centers are safe,they should provide clear evidence and communication to the school directors and the public. The need for accountability runs both ways; if the directors have legitimate concerns,these should not be dismissed but rather addressed through cooperation. “The opening of the centers is contingent on the completion of some significant tasks,” as the directors stated, adds an additional layer of concern that demands attention.
Editor: The reaction from the STEPV union has been quite vocal, even suggesting the Minister of Education should resign. What is your take on the involvement of educational unions in this process?
Dr. Marcos: Unions play a crucial role in advocating for their members, and in this scenario, their voice is essential. They highlight the need for institutional support and the importance of valuing the perspectives of educators. If school leaders feel their concerns are ignored, it can lead to a disengaged workforce, which ultimately harms not just the teachers but the students as well. The union’s statement reflects legitimate frustrations that could catalyze much-needed change if addressed properly.
Editor: What practical advice can you offer to parents and community members during such tumultuous times?
Dr. Marcos: Communication is key. Parents should seek clear and timely data from both the school directors and the Department of Education. In addition, community members might consider organizing forums to discuss these issues, as public discourse can pressure decision-makers to prioritize safety and transparency. Furthermore, advocating for the well-being of their children through constructive dialogues with school boards can amplify their voices in determining policy responses.
Editor: are there lessons that can be learned from this crisis for future emergency responses in educational systems?
Dr. Marcos: Absolutely. One of the key lessons is the importance of proactive communication and collaboration. Educational authorities should develop clear protocols for emergency situations,ensuring swift evaluations of facilities post-crisis. Moreover, consistent engagement with educators and stakeholders before, during, and after such incidents would foster a more resilient educational ecosystem that prioritizes safety and effective learning environments.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Marcos, for your insights today. It’s clear that the reopening of schools is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for our educational community as a whole. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these challenges.