Sky-high energy prices are also a cause for concern for schools

It must be warm in the children’s classes, but the windows must also be open. They are concerned about increasing costs. In Kindergarten de Vlieger in Zwevezele, the bill for gas and electricity has already increased by 4,000 euros.

Act quickly

They are not the only ones in Zwevezele. Catholic Education is also asking for school energy bills to be reduced. In two years’ time, these have increased for the schools of the umbrella by almost 45 million euros. The increase means that schools have to make savings on their pedagogical operation.

In addition, the heating costs of schools will increase this winter, because they have to ventilate continuously to prevent the spread of the corona virus. This leads to significantly higher energy consumption and an even higher energy cost. Schools that subscribe to the framework contracts of Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen have been able to keep energy prices down for a long time. This is becoming more difficult to maintain due to market developments.

Director-General Lieven Boeve therefore asks the government to help: “A possible solution is to increase the VAT on energy at six percent for schools as well. The government can also choose to grant schools financial compensation. “

“Ray Ignored”

On Wednesday, community education did GO! a similar call. Flemish Education Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) said in a response on Friday that he “regrets that the federal government has ignored the school boards”. “We are looking at whether we can do something and if so what. Although it is strange to give educational resources to energy giants,” said Minister Weyts.

In the meantime, Groen calls on not to stick to a temporary measure. According to Johan Danen, there must be a compensation in the short term, but in the long term, work must be done on better insulation. “A lot of schools are energy inefficient and not well insulated,” says MP Danen. “The energy – and the money – flows out through the poorly insulated windows and roofs. In addition, schools today – in the absence of adequate ventilation systems – often have to open doors and windows to prevent the virus circulation. The result: sky-high energy bills that schools can’t afford to pay.”