The public primary school De Akker and the Christian primary school De Fontein in Sleen are currently still right next to each other, but the municipality of Coevorden has decided to continue with the schools at one location in 2029.
The location that the municipality has in mind is the current location of OBS De Akker in Sleen. Reasons for choosing this location include because it is close to the sports hall and adjacent to a parking lot.
Before the construction of the new school, OBS De Akker will first be demolished. After completion and move to the new building, CBS De Fontein will also be demolished. In the meantime, students from OBS De Akker and childcare Kinderwereld, with which both schools collaborate, will be accommodated at a temporary location.
This temporary accommodation for approximately one to one and a half years has been discussed with Dorpsbelangen Sleen. The school boards will investigate the optional locations.
Councilor Jeroen Huizing (CDA) also proposed building the new power building between the two schools, in order to save costs for temporary shelter. This option is still being investigated.
It is also being examined whether the library can be moved to the new power building. The library in Sleen is currently located on Westrupstraat, but because they are dependent on subsidies, having their own building is a financial challenge.
It is still unclear whether the primary schools, if they are under the same roof, will also be one school will continue. “During an information evening earlier this year, the village expressed its wish to merge the primary schools,” explains Jolien Thiele of the educational group Fiers, of which De Fontein is a part.
A survey by Dorpsbelangen showed that 65% of those surveyed would like to see Christian and public primary schools merge into one school. In this construction, students would be given the choice to take optional subjects, for example in the religious field. On the other hand, 35% of those surveyed would prefer two separate schools under one roof.
After the summer, educational group Fiers and educational group Arcade started a study into the possibility of merging the schools. But a decision will have to wait a while. “The investigation is still ongoing, so we cannot say anything about that yet,” says Gerjo Stegeman of Arcade. “The investigation could take about two years.” A final choice will therefore have to wait a while.
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