The biggest changes this year affected Latgali and Kurzemi, where 18 educational institutions were reorganized or liquidated. In Kurzeme, ten of them are kindergartens attached to other educational institutions. On the other hand, in Latgale, changes have mainly affected primary schools – ten educational institutions have been liquidated or joined to another school.
13 educational institutions were liquidated or reorganized in Vidzeme. Seven of them are general primary schools, two are special primary schools, two are secondary schools, and two are kindergartens.
Nine educational institutions, mainly primary and secondary schools, were liquidated or reorganized in the Riga region this year. On the other hand, eight educational institutions have been liquidated or reorganized in Zemgale.
The decision on the establishment, reorganization or closure of educational institutions is taken by the municipality as the founder of the educational institution. Municipalities inform the Ministry of Interior about their decision by submitting documents and asking the Ministry to coordinate this decision.
When considering questions about the coordination of the decision of the municipality, the Ministry of Education evaluates the quality of the work of the educational institution, the availability of further education, the provision of transport, the development of the network of educational institutions in the region. The opinion of the involved parties – students, teachers, parents – is also taken into account, says the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The most decisions on the reorganization or closure of educational institutions were made by Krāslava county, Liepāja and Riga municipalities – six decisions were made in each of the municipalities. Five decisions were taken by the municipalities of Talsi and Tukums, four by the municipalities of Balvu, Cēsi and Smiltene, and three by the municipality of Daugavpils.
In Aizkraukle district, Dobele district, Jūrmala, Limbažu district, Ogre district, Preiļi district, Rēzekne district, Saldus district and Ventspils, two decisions were made each.
This year, one educational institution was reorganized or closed in Ādažu district, Bauska district, Dienvikkurzeme district, Kuldīga district, Līvāni district, Ludza district, Rēzekne and Madona district.
This year, one new educational institution was also founded – preschool educational institution “Auseklītis” in Riga.