1.2 Billion Surplus: Umeå Schools Faces Budget Cuts Despite Surplus
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Loading... - alfie finley
- 02 Jun 2023
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Anna Olskog, the president of Sweden's Teachers in Umeå, is strongly protesting against the municipality's decision to implement cuts in the school budget, despite having a surplus of over one billion. This situation has deeply concerned us, and we feel that our concerns are not being adequately addressed. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated.
The detrimental consequences of poor educational outcomes, student absences, and chronic funding shortages are widely acknowledged by a majority of teachers. They believe that these circumstances prevent them from fulfilling their roles effectively, and the continuous lack of financial support further exacerbates issues such as academic underachievement, sick leaves, social exclusion, and unemployment.
Teachers, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness, have now reached a breaking point. It is perplexing and disheartening that educators across the country must take to the streets to emphasize that today's students are being deprived of their rightful education.
There is a limit to what everyone can endure, and the school staff in Umeå has now reached that threshold. While we are still far from the level of dissatisfaction expressed by our French counterparts, the current demonstration speaks volumes. Many of us are demanding more. However, what does Umeå municipality want? Education policymakers at both the national and local levels must take action before it is too late. We implore them to halt the budget cuts and save our school!
Numerous teacher demonstrations have taken place across the country, with more waiting in the wings. The motive behind these demonstrations is not solely focused on increasing teacher salaries; rather, it is driven by a desire to deliver quality education. The working environment, escalating workloads, and inadequate resources have taken a toll on an already overstretched teaching staff.
We can no longer shoulder the burden of additional responsibilities or stretch our schedules any further. We refuse to continue compensating for the lack of funding by creating our own teaching materials. We reject the notion of being forced into roles such as school counselors, janitors, administrators, or nurses!
Our primary goal is to teach! We have reached a breaking point, where we have had to resort to temporary solutions that jeopardize our well-being and the future of our students. This situation must come to an end.
To prevent cuts in Sweden's schools, the government should have allocated an additional 12 billion SEK in the spring budget amendment. The meager allocation betrayed the trust of teachers, children, and students.
Umeå Municipality achieved an outstanding financial result in 2022, reaching an all-time high with a total profit of nearly 1.2 billion SEK. This financial strength ensures the long-term viability of running schools, healthcare, and other essential community services in the most optimal manner. Undoubtedly, there is consensus among council members that the 2022 financial outcome is commendable!
We urge the same level of consensus to be achieved regarding preschools and schools. Sweden's Teachers in Umeå demands that the upcoming budget decision prioritize the municipality's educational activities. There is simply no other acceptable option.
