Closure imminent

Petition in the fight for small schools

Small schools are to be closed. Parents are against it.

(Bild: APA/Hans Putz)

The elementary school in St. Egyden bei Velden is also on the brink of closure: parents do not agree and are calling for the location to be retained and for a new school division.

Last year, parents were still relieved because the 2023/24 school year was secured for the elementary school in St. Egyden bei Velden, as we reported . But now they once again have to fear for the future of their small school. "We were under the assumption that we wouldn't be facing closure in the coming school year with 32 children," explains mother Daniela Vratanar.

Letter changes everything
However, a letter from the Education Directorate brought disillusionment. "It states that those children who do not live in the municipality of Velden, but in our case in the neighboring municipality of Schiefling, are no longer allowed to attend the St. Egyden elementary school, even though it would be quicker for the little ones to reach on foot," explains the mother.

There are enough children who could attend St. Egyden primary school. The division of the school districts is the problem.

Daniela Vratanar

Specifically, there are ten girls and boys. "It has worked so far," says a surprised Vratanar, who is in contact with the mayors, explains: "The municipalities of Schiefling and Velden have agreed on the division of the school districts so that parents can always decide for themselves which school their child should attend."

Petition launched
However, this free decision is now history. Those affected have therefore initiated a petition calling for the school districts to be changed and for the St. Egyden school location to be retained. Vratanar: "If the districts of Roach, Raunach, Ottosch and St. Kathrein belonged to the Velden district, the St. Egyden primary school would remain!"

This elementary school is not the only one facing closure. "We have the same problem in Sörg, Tiffen, Klein St. Veit and Schiefling in Lavanttal," says Werner Rainer from the Carinthia Parents' Association: "Every closure is a weakening of rural areas."