Families in Kitee express frustration over school closure as students transfer to Parikkala

A group of families in Kitee has expressed their frustration over the closure of a local school, leading some to send their children to a school in a neighboring municipality. In the spring, Kitee shut down the Kesälahden upper school, reallocating students to schools in the town center. Out of approximately 40 students affected, 17 opted for schools in Parikkala. One of the disappointed families, the Leminen family, has two children attending upper school. Kirsi Leminen, the mother, stated that they did everything possible to retain their local school, presenting various alternatives that were not heeded, which was disheartening for the parents.

Venla Leminen, a ninth grader, preferred the school in Parikkala, feeling unwelcome in Kitee. The Leminen family even contemplated renting an additional property in Parikkala to ensure their children could enroll, but they were welcomed into existing classes without needing to relocate. Auli Hyttinen, the acting education director, confirmed that the newcomers were integrated into existing student groups, although a few late applicants were turned away due to full classes.

Kitee will incur costs for students from Kesälahden, approximately €7,800 per student, payable with a delay of a couple of years. The full financial impact remains uncertain, as new students affect teacher resources, space, school meals, and transportation, according to Matias Valoaho, Kitee’s education director.

Parikkala organized school transport, allowing families to pay €4 per day for bus service, resulting in similar travel times for students heading to Parikkala as would have been to Kitee. Despite initial concerns, students like Noora Leminen have adapted well, while her sister Venla still feels disappointed about leaving her prior school.