The Swedish Schools Inspectorate's decision on so-called state measures for correction is very rare. It has only happened once before, in Botkyrka south of Stockholm, 2019.
In Gällivare's case, it concerns a upper secondary school with approximately 400 students, the only upper secondary school in the town. The state, i.e. the Swedish Schools Inspectorate, taking over the responsibility is motivated by the fact that the deficiencies have been large, serious – and recurring. It has been about teaching that has been absent in several subjects, students who have not received special support and students with extensive absenteeism.
Unsafe Environment
The school, which has also had major problems with insecurity. Teachers and students have testified about "chaos".
It has been a messy school environment, there has been insecurity at the school, it has happened that students have felt offended and scared, says the Swedish Schools Inspectorate's Director-General Helén Ängmo to TT.
Despite the municipality correcting problems that the Swedish Schools Inspectorate has criticized, the problems have emerged again after a while.
It is very serious and very worrying when the deficiencies reappear. The measures become non-sustainable and therefore we have considered it reasonable to take this sharp measure since the students would otherwise have major problems in their education for a long time, says Helén Ängmo.
No School Closure
What is happening now is that advisors appointed by the Swedish Schools Inspectorate are taking over the work of getting all the problems in order. The cost of the measures will be paid by Gällivare municipality.
The Swedish Schools Inspectorate could have chosen to close the school – issue a prohibition on operations.
But there is no other school in Gällivare town. Therefore, we have chosen this instrument, says Helén Ängmo.
The Swedish Schools Inspectorate's decision can be appealed, but Gällivare municipality writes on its website that the decision is welcome.
"We see this as an opportunity to improve the quality of Sjöparksskolan and ensure that our students receive the best possible education", comments Riitta Kotavuopio Olsson, acting head of administration.
