By: Moja Dolenjska
This week, the government discussed a proposal for an amendment to the law on the organisation and financing of education, which, among other things, foresees changes in the appointment of principals. According to the new proposal, the Minister of Education would be required to give mandatory consent for the appointment of principals, and under certain conditions, the minister could even dismiss them.
If this proposal were adopted, it would mean that the minister could block the appointment of any principal whom they deem to be politically unfavourable or not aligned with their views. This would create additional complications in the appointment process, which is already difficult in some areas, and would massively increase political influence over the appointments.
Even more controversial is the fact that the minister could have the authority to dismiss principals. This would significantly reduce the autonomy of principals, as they would need to be careful not to antagonise the ruling political party. It could also lead to direct pressure on principals, especially if politics demands that the school be run in a way it deems appropriate.
Teachers and education professionals have already opposed these proposed changes. Branimir Štrukelj, the general secretary of the Education, Science, and Culture Union of Slovenia (Sviz), pointed out during the discussion of the law that they do not agree with proposals that limit the influence of school and kindergarten councils and increase the minister’s influence in the appointment and dismissal of principals. Mojca Mihelič, the president of the Association of Principals and Assistant Principals of Slovenia, also emphasised that this represents an attempt to politicise education. Barbara Novinec, the vice president of the national committee of the Association of Kindergarten Principals of Slovenia, stressed that this would reduce the influence of local communities.
Due to the opposition, the government suspended the discussion of the law this week and is expected to continue it next week. Whether the controversial provision will remain is still to be seen.