In Riga, kindergartens are closing, and officials assure that it will benefit everyone
Kirsis reminded that discussions about changes in the network of educational institutions have been ongoing for some time. According to him, the main reason for these changes is demographic trends — the number of newborns registered in Riga has significantly decreased in recent years, and this decline inevitably affects the education system.
According to Kirsis, the planned changes will allow for more rational use of resources, including teaching staff, which are often in short supply. He emphasized that everyone will benefit from this, adding that “the saved resources will not be taken out of the system” and this will provide an opportunity to improve working conditions and increase teachers’ salaries.
He noted that Riga is not a regional city where one has to travel dozens of kilometers to reach the next educational institution.
> “Any inconveniences will come down to crossing the street, taking a trip one stop further, or a walk that will be a few minutes longer,” Kirsis said, commenting on potential inconveniences for residents.
The deputy mayor emphasized that the main focus is on consolidating administrative resources, such as record-keeping systems. He also suggested that “the collection of signatures” for maintaining the current order might be hiding someone’s selfish interests. “I urge parents not to worry — we will explain and dispel doubts,” Kirsis assured.
> “Right now we lack teachers — we will find a place for everyone. No one who wants to work will be left without a job,” he reiterated.
Regarding private preschool institutions, Kirsis reported that work is currently underway to make cooperation between the municipality and the private sector in education more effective.
The chairwoman of the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee of the Riga City Council noted that changes are never easy, so the concerns and great interest in the topic are understandable.
She emphasized that the main goal of the city is quality education. “We do not want to harm anyone with reforms — we want to ensure quality education,” she said, adding that “no teacher who wants to work will be left without a job.”
Earlier, Kirsis reported that the changes in the network of preschool institutions will mostly affect areas such as Vecmilgravis, Ilguciems, and Kengarags.
He explained that ten kindergarten buildings are planned to be physically closed in Riga, and several other preschool institutions will be reorganized — kindergartens in these locations will remain, but will be legally merged, which will save administrative resources. He cited two neighboring kindergartens on Slokas Street, 126 and 126a, whose administrations and record-keeping will be combined as an example.
Kirsis emphasized that in cases where service locations are maintained, parents should not worry. Even where kindergartens will be completely closed, other preschool institutions are only a few blocks away.
In response to a question about planned changes in the network of general educational institutions in the capital, the deputy mayor reminded that a decision was made last year to merge the 31st secondary school in Vecmilgravis with the Rinuja secondary school. It is also planned to merge the Gailēzers primary school with the Mežciems primary school next year, as well as the primary school in Sarkandaugava with the Brocēni lyceum.
As reported, due to the so-called demographic pit and the decline in the number of students, it is planned to close and merge several preschool and general educational institutions in Riga, as in some places their occupancy is only 50–60% of full capacity.