The case in summary The proposal to close Kanebogen school in Harstad is causing great opposition among the pupils, who feel neglected by the politicians. In a report commissioned by the municipality, the school is proposed to be closed in two out of three alternatives, due to the expected decrease in the number of pupils towards 2050. Pupils and teachers at the school have demonstrated against the closure, and express that the school is important for friendships and security. Politicians have stated that they are moved by the students’ involvement, and that no final decision has been made yet. The decision will be made in December. – The politicians don’t think of us as it goes beyond. We who go to this school have formed bonds of friendship. That’s what student council representatives Natalie Opheim and Marie Strøm Skogstad say during the appeal outside the municipal council meeting in Harstad. news is present during the students’ demonstration against the closure of Kanebogen school. In a recent report from Telemarksforskning, which the municipality commissioned, Kanebogen school is proposed to be closed in two of three options. The third and last option is a continuation of the current school structure. In Thursday’s municipal council meeting in Harstad, the closure of Kanebogen school is one of four citizen questions that will be discussed in that matter. It creates strong engagement among the students. Don’t feel listened to – You should listen to us! Student council representative Natalie Opheim tells news just before the demonstration. Student council representatives at Kanebogen school, Natalie Opheim and Marie Skogstad (from right), held an appeal outside the municipal council meeting. They believe that the politicians should listen to those decisions that go beyond. Photo: TORA JARNÆS VOLD / news – We think it is very stupid to close our school. We feel safe here and have many friends. Standing next to her is friend and student council representative Marie Strøm Skogstad. She thinks the politicians just make decisions without asking first. – Kanebogen school means a lot to me. This is where I grew up and made connections. The background for the report that the municipality has commissioned is due to an expected decrease in the number of pupils towards 2050. Nevertheless, both teachers and pupils at Kanebogen school feel that they have not been heard in the process. – We don’t feel listened to by the politicians. They just make decisions without listening to them it goes beyond. – It is clear that it hurts Nina Dons Hansen was moved to tears during the students’ appeals. – Of course it hurts. Photo: Henrik Einangshaug / news – It is such an important school in an important part of Harstad. I think it’s tough that they line up here. This is what group leader in Harstad Høyre, Nina Dons Hansen, says outside the municipal council meeting where the demonstration took place. She was moved to tears during the students’ appeal. – My youngest daughter left the 7th grade 3 years ago. Of course it hurts. However, it is as a politician that I think the proposal for closure is completely behind the mark. Dons-Hansen believes she herself has been naive in the process. – I really didn’t think that closing Kanebogen school, which has 300 pupils, would be an option. I didn’t see that coming. – The assignment from the municipality to the consultants was to prepare at least two main alternatives. They have delivered one, says Dons Hansen, who confirms that the Conservative Party is concretely working on an alternative proposal. – Everyone must be heard – The children’s voice in this is extremely important, and I think it came across well today. Photo: Tora Jarnæs Vold This is what deputy mayor Espen Ludvigsen (SP), also present during the demonstration, says. He emphasizes that decisions such as closing schools are one of the most difficult things to do as a politician. – But we have to look at the whole economy. The decision whether Kanebogen school is to be closed will finally be adopted in December. – No decisions have been made yet, and we will take this with us. Mayor of Harstad municipality, Kari Anne Opsal, thanked the students for their involvement outside the municipal council meeting. – It is on behalf of the entire municipal council, so it makes a big impression on all of us how much you care about your school. It is an important right that you exercise when you say what you think about our decisions. That’s what the mayor of Harstad municipality says to the horde of children demonstrating. Now the students at Kanebogen school hope that they will be listened to in the process. Published 31.10.2024, at 15.39
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Kanebogen school in Harstad is at risk of closure – students demonstrate – news Troms and Finnmark
