The government’s new plan to redistribute funding from larger to smaller high schools in order to prevent school closures has sparked significant criticism from leaders of major educational institutions. Rector Claus Niller from Roskilde Cathedral School expressed dismay upon discovering that his school would have to cut five percent of its budget. This reduction equates to approximately six million Danish kroner (around $900,000), which may lead to layoffs among the school’s staff.
Niller acknowledges the necessity of supporting smaller high schools, but questions the fairness of such redistribution when the educational system in urban areas is functioning effectively. He criticizes the government for continually undermining educational conditions for youth in large cities and points out that funding for smaller schools should be drawn from the government’s broader financial resources instead.
The government argues that larger schools benefit from economies of scale, a claim that Niller disputes. He contends that the funding model cannot be adjusted based on school size, as the conditions are practically the same across institutions. Niller suggests providing financial support to smaller schools until youth enrollment numbers increase again, but he doubts that the redistribution will alter young people’s educational preferences in larger cities.
Nevertheless, Claus Niller expresses respect for the desire to maintain educational offerings in rural areas, even though he fears the negative consequences this plan may have on urban educational institutions.