Helsinki Schools Should Not Be Constantly Criticized

Helsinki city council members Ville Jalovaara and Minna Salminen have criticized a recent Helsingin Sanomat article that labeled certain middle schools as "unpopular." The article, published July 30, used school choice data to rank schools based on how many students opted for other schools or specialized classes. Jalovaara and Salminen argue this methodology is flawed, particularly because it doesn't account for students choosing specialized programs within their local schools.

"We consider the headline of the article to be unsuccessful and its content incomplete," the council members stated. They expressed concern that such reporting creates a perception that some Helsinki schools are simply to be avoided. While acknowledging parents' desires for good schools, they emphasized that portraying any Helsinki school in a "very negative tone" is counterproductive.

The council members highlighted the city's efforts to support all schools, maintain attractive residential areas, and ensure safety. They also stressed the importance of equitable access to specialized education programs, arguing that choosing such programs should not be "demonized." The city aims to create balanced and appealing schools in all neighborhoods, supported by needs-based and basic funding.

"If problems are observed, they must be addressed in a solution-oriented manner," Jalovaara and Salminen concluded. They stressed that work against regional segregation must continue across all sectors of society, ensuring all schools receive adequate resources for the benefit of children and families.