With 33 students, it is the smallest school in North Holland, and that problem is precisely why the Michaëlschool in Zuidschermer has to close. The umbrella organization ‘must recognize that it is no longer possible to carry out its social task.’
The immediate reason is the departure of three employees: two teachers and the director of the school. “The current staff shortage in the Netherlands and in the region makes it impossible to strengthen the team with new employees in a stable manner in the near future.” This is the fate of the school according to media partner Regional city Central sealed.
The education umbrella organization, together with the municipality of Alkmaar, has decided that the school should close from the beginning of 2024. “Bloss [de scholenkoepel, red.] must recognize that it is no longer possible to carry out the social mission of ‘providing good education’ at this location.”
Parents resilient
The only hope? If new teachers were found at very short notice, the school could possibly remain open. The municipality and the school umbrella organization do not see this scenario as rosy, but parents seem to think it is still possible, according to Streeksstad Centraal.
With a student population that consistently fluctuates around 30 students, the Michaël School has often been threatened with closure. Parents have also taken actions to keep the school open, always with success.