Rauma’s School Network Reform

Rauma’s primary school network plan and related studies have been completed and have resulted in two options for Rauma’s new school network. In both options, pupils from four schools will be transferred to other schools between 2026 and 2030. The schools that will be removed are Kaaro, Kortela, Kodisjoki and Vasarainen.

Option A

In school network option A, the recipient schools are the new schools in Uotila and Nanunkallio as well as the Pohjoiskehä school, which was completed in 2019. The school changes would take place in three phases, with the Kodisjoki and Vasarainen schools transferring to Uotila in the academic year 2026–2027 and the Kortela school transferring to Nanunkallio in the academic year 2027–2028. Finally, pupils from Kaaro school would move to Pohjoiskehä school in the academic year 2030–2031 at the earliest.

Option B

Under Option B, pupils from Kodisjoki school would move instead of Uotila to Unaja school. In all other aspects, the plan is in line with Option A. Although the schools receiving the pupils are designated in the plan, parents have the possibility to choose another school for their child.

The Kari school was also included in the list of schools under consideration. Due to the large number of pupils, it is not possible to transfer them to other schools. In addition, the role of Kari as an immigrant preparatory school needs to be further strengthened.

Issues Taken Into Account in the Planning

• Pedagogical considerations
• Student services
• Impact on staff
• Investments and school buildings
• School transport
• Immigration projections

Many Opportunities to Participate and Make a Difference

To ensure openness and participation, a number of channels were opened to citizens. In addition to the municipal meetings open to all, a general survey and a survey of parents and staff of pupils at Kaaro, Kortela, Kodisjoki and Vasarainen schools were carried out.

The school network reform has also been openly discussed with children. In all schools potentially affected by the school reform, student councils were consulted, and the plans have also been discussed at the Children’s Parliament and at a hearing day for children and young people. In addition, questions on the topic have been asked to be sent directly on email. Child impact assessments are an essential part of school network planning.

A recording was made of the municipality meetings, which can be found in the link below.

Feedback from citizens, pupils and school staff is currently being analysed and will be published on this page when it is available.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to the Study

The school network planning process examined alternative models from different perspectives. In terms of pedagogical aspects, the main issues raised were moderate group sizes, possibilities to support teaching and learning, full use of school facilities, arrangements for special needs education, the possibility of small groups, the abolition of combined classroom teaching, and the consideration of immigration.

The school building analysis compared the structural condition, maintenance costs and investment needs of primary schools.

The regional analysis showed that 69% of children under school age live within 3.5 km of the city centre.

To Be Decided by the Council in June

Last December, the City Boarddecided to carry out a study on the school network, in view of the steep decline in age groups and thus in pupil numbers. The feedback received will be analysed and shared with decision-makers. The decision-making process will start on 29 May in the Education Committee and continue until 3 June in the City Board. The final decision on the new school network will be made by the City Council on 17 June 2024.

Why is the School Network Being Reformed?

The main reason for the renewal of the school network is Rauma’s declining pupil numbers. Over the period 2020–2030, the number of primary school pupils will decrease by 27.6%, i.e. by around 660 children. This is about a third of the total number of pupils in primary schools and means 33 classes worth of students will disappear. The sharp reduction in the number of pupils and the reduction in the city’s financial flexibility call for a review of the school network in order to secure the strategic objective of providing quality education for children.

What Does the Reform Aim to Achieve?

• Ensuring the quality of basic education in the future
• Controlled group sizes
• Maintaining time frames and hours of education
• Healthy and safe school buildings
• School space allocation in line with pupil numbers
• A regionally balanced primary school network
• Modern and comfortable learning environments
• Higher occupancy rates of school facilities
• Better access to student care
• Reduced renovation and maintenance costs
• Appropriate allocation of staff
• Taking immigration into account