Belgian Primary School Saved from Closure by New School Board

Basisschool De Kleine Wereld in Kapellen, near Glabbeek, Belgium, is no longer facing closure at the end of 2027. A group of parents and sympathizers has rallied to keep the free primary school open, proposing a new school board with concrete plans for its future.

The school was initially set to close due to insufficient student enrollment, currently standing at 56 children, and aging infrastructure. The current school board, Sint-Paulus, deemed the building non-compliant with current standards. However, the newly formed board is committed to adapting the building and boosting student numbers.

"It is crucial that children can go to primary school in their own village," stated Greetje Van Den Bosch of the new school board. "Therefore, we have concrete plans to adapt the building and increase the number of students. Now there are 56 children, that number must increase somewhat. Our renovation plans are also well advanced."

The new board intends to continue operating under the Catholic umbrella and is currently in negotiations with the existing school board and the relevant authorities. They have received support from the local municipality, including the mayor. The plan is for the school to remain subsidized and free, with teachers having the option to stay. "We want to turn the closure into a takeover for the benefit of our children," Van Den Bosch concluded.