The compulsory closure of Aljezur International School for the Ministry of Educationleft in future of 85 students suspended and caused concern in the municipality. The establishment, which taught for about 15 yearswas closed last Friday due to “lack of authorization” of operation.
“We were caught by surprise and we are concerned about the future of the students, especially because it is a school that has been operating for a long time and is a differentiating offer for the municipality”, he told the Express the mayor of Aljezur, José Gonçalves.
According to the guardianship, the school “has refused to comply with administrative closure orders” since 2022, with several orders having been issued in this regard. The most recent dates from January 2024.
Following closure, the processes of 85 students were collected and delivered to the Professora Piedade Matoso School Groupin Aljezur. The students of 7th to 9th year should be integrated into public education classeswhile those of secondary will have their assessed placement individually.
The mayor emphasizes that the school, in “differentiated teaching and recognized quality”was also a factor in family settlement in low-density territory. “This situation is worrying for everyone — for the municipality, which loses an offer for teachingand for families, who are left without an important structure and now have to move to other areas”, he stated.
José Gonçalves also questions whether “all possibilities have been exhausted” before the Ministry moved towards compulsory closure.
A public school in Aljezur only goes up to the 9th year, which requires students to secondary school students a daily trips to Lagosmore than 30 kilometers away.
O Ministry guarantees that it is monitoring the process to “ensure the continuity of students’ school careers, respecting their rights and the legality of the educational system”.
O Express tried to get reaction of the direction from the International School of Aljezurbut unsuccessful until now.
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