The sun is shining in Nordfold in Steigen municipality, but the school building is not shining. The almost 70-year-old primary school has fallen into disrepair for many years, and now parts of the schoolyard are closed. The reason? Large roof tiles weighing several kilograms loosen and fall down: Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen – There is a large safety area outside, but I would like it to be bigger. The municipality says it is safe as it is now, but it doesn’t feel that way. That’s what Mari Helenedatter Aarbakke says. She is head of the parents’ work committee at the school. And the principal shares the concern. CONCERNED: Mari Helenedatter Aarbakke is concerned about the condition at Nordfold School. Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen / news A number of shortcomings – We are very worried that roof tiles may come down. That is the biggest concern. Then lives can be lost, says principal Tanja Felix Lademann. But it is not just a bad roof that characterizes the school building from the 1950s. In 2018, a consultancy report was commissioned by the municipality. Here, several breaches of the fire regulations and a number of other deficiencies with the school were pointed out. The building does not satisfy requirements for accessibility and universal design. It does not satisfy requirements for escape routes, fire safety or the requirements for ventilation. But the school in Steigen is not the only one. CHALLENGES: Principal Tanja Felix Lademann is aware of the challenges with the old school building at Nordfold School. Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen / news NOK 96 billion Multiconsult has carried out a survey for the Parents’ Committee for Basic Education with disappointing results: 3.5 million square meters of Norwegian school buildings are in major need of upgrading in the next ten years. Over 800 school buildings have major or serious deviations in the ventilation system. Over 1,800 buildings have significant deviations in the ventilation system. There is an estimated NOK 96 billion in maintenance backlog on Norwegian school buildings. Back in Nordfold, the children play at SFO while the principal shows them around the school. Can’t open windows Only the top of the school’s three floors has a ventilation system. On the other two floors, any fresh air must come from doors and windows, but many of the windows in the school are in such bad condition that they have been nailed up. In one of the classrooms, only one window can be opened. Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen In another classroom, the only possibility for fresh air is a door. – We all agree that the learning and working environment is too bad, says Tanja Felix Lademann. She shows off a school kitchen with cookers from the 50s and toilets with an ingrained stench. Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen There is much that is old and worn out for the approximately 50 students. But the village is happy with its primary school. Among other things, the parents have done a lot of voluntary work. – The school needs love A new ball pit has been made, a greenhouse has been set up. In addition, a large shed has been built and investment has been made in play equipment. – The school needs love, says Mari Helenedatter Aarbakke from FAU. Among other things, the parents have cleaned and thrown away two containers of rubbish. NOK 40,000 was the profit after a flea market, and they will use the money to upgrade the school. – It is not a parent’s task to paint a school, but we have said that we can do that. But then the municipality must join in doing its part. – We have a great local environment in Nordfold, and there are many people who are engaged, comments the principal. – Could it be an alternative to move the pupils to another school? – No. We want to keep the school. But we see that if you are going to continue with no maintenance, then we will have to move out one day, she says. MUST WAIT: Mayor of Steigen Aase Refsnes (SV) would like to get Nordfold school up and running, but the municipality has other maintenance they must prioritize before the school. Photo: Elena Junie Paulsen / news The municipality must take action Mayor of Steigen, Aase Refsnes (SV) is clear that something must be done. They will now tackle the challenges of loose roof tiles. In addition, they have plans to renovate the rest of the school. Gradually. – I am very happy that the municipal council has clearly stated that we will renovate the school and put it in a better condition than it is today. – But it has been pushed in the budget? – I understand that they are impatient. We have had several large investment projects in the municipality, and unfortunately we have not been able to follow up on the project. But now we can do nothing but ensure progress, she says.
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Bad Norwegian schools can cost 96 billion to repair. Roof tiles are loose at Nordfold school – news Nordland
