For better quality education, school resources must be increased and reorganised

“We are currently working on finalizing the funding formula for primary and secondary education and on methodologies for optimisation of the school network in primary education. The main benefits that we can expect as a result are: 1) with the new funding formula, finances will follow the student and his needs, in a way that the most vulnerable students will be a priority; 2) stimulation and rewarding schools that work well and responsibly based on clear criteria 3) improved efficiency, which will free up more space for investments in the learning environment and support for teachers,” said Bojana Naceva, Senior Education Specialist, World Bank.

The country is facing a learning crisis, with students performing below the Western Balkan, EU and OECD averages. Sweeping demographic changes, including declining birth rates, migration and increasing urbanisation without major adjustments to the primary school network, have resulted in some schools having underutilized space and staff. In contrast, other schools are overcrowded and lack teachers, thus, having to organize classes in double shifts – likely impacting learning outcomes.

Such changes have led to inefficient and inequitable allocation of resources. Furthermore, a large majority of primary education expenditures go to cover the school staff salary costs, leaving insufficient funds for updating and keeping facilities in good condition and investing in modern equipment, innovative teaching and learning methods and staff professional development.

Increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the primary education school network, while ensuring equity in school access, has been a challenge for many countries.

To learn more about experiences in other European countries, participants engaged in a dialogue with experts from Portugal, Poland, Denmark, Norway and Bulgaria during three sessions dedicated to: optimal financing, ensuring better allocation and utilization of schools’ human resources for improved efficiency and quality, merging or expanding schools to respond to demographic changes, providing transport and welcoming environment for transferred students to schools offering better learning conditions.