Hundreds of abandoned schools are decaying because buyers cannot be found

Nearly 2,300 school buildings had been taken out of use, according to a Helsingin Sanomat report dated September 2, 1976. Municipalities had reclaimed about half of them, but finding new owners proved difficult.

Municipalities tried to sell the buildings, yet the share of state aid that had to be repaid as part of the sale price discouraged many potential buyers. Some schools were instead rented for community recreational activities. Maintenance of vacant buildings attracted little municipal interest, while rental income rarely covered property costs.

Schools by lakes could command higher prices, but other buildings were hard to sell. Private individuals could not rent a school as a summer cottage. With permission from the school authorities, however, buildings could be rented for housing, youth work or social services.

The situation in Lieksa illustrated the problem in economically troubled areas. The city put six schools up for sale at the turn of the year. Two were sold, one was rented and three remained empty. Lieksa had previously sold or rented four other schools, while one more school closed that year and further closures appeared likely.

Kaisa Mäkelä, who made boutique knitwear, found a suitable workshop at Löytöjärvi School in Eno. The school was rented, and Mäkelä said it provided enough space for her small workshop.