Çavuşoğlu discusses school openings: Government considers security concerns due to teacher shortages
Minister of National Education, Nazım Çavuşoğlu, has recently made statements regarding the decision to postpone the opening of schools in a television interview. The one-week postponement decision was made due to possible security issues that may arise in schools as a result of the shortage of teachers. Çavuşoğlu assured that schools will be ready to open as soon as all necessary preparations regarding teacher appointments are finalized.
Highlighting the efforts to reinforce schools after the February 6 earthquake, Çavuşoğlu mentioned that a record number of repair, maintenance, restoration, and reinforcement works are currently underway. Significant repair and maintenance work has been completed in 91 schools, with reinforcement works ongoing in 6 schools. Additionally, 20 schools have been rebuilt, and this number is expected to reach 24 by next year.
Despite the progress in physical structures, teacher appointments remain a concern, especially in schools under the General Secondary Education and Vocational and Technical Education Department. Permanent staff appointments have been made in primary schools, but the process for other schools is still pending. The delay in appointments may result in a further postponement of the school opening.
As the Minister of National Education, Çavuşoğlu emphasized that the decision to postpone the opening of schools was made with the safety and well-being of students in mind. He dismissed claims linking the decision to the National Unity Party Congress, clarifying that the primary reason is to address the teacher shortage and ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
Prefabricated classrooms are being used as a temporary solution to accommodate students until new reinforced concrete classrooms are built. Çavuşoğlu explained the challenges in capacity increase and pointed out the temporary nature of the prefabricated model.
In conclusion, Çavuşoğlu assured that schools will open as soon as the necessary appointments and preparations are completed. The focus remains on providing a safe and conducive learning environment for all students, emphasizing the government’s commitment to education despite the challenges faced.
