Parents Association Criticizes Decision to Eliminate Kindergarten Line at Mario Vargas Llosa School in Marbella
The Parents Association (AMPA) La Florida, of the Mario Vargas Llosa School in Marbella, has labeled the decision to eliminate a kindergarten line for 3-year-olds at the school as a “major mistake”. They are demanding that the line be maintained and have warned that they will mobilize to achieve what they believe is “fair”. This controversy adds to the ongoing issues in public education in Marbella due to controversial decisions by the Andalusian Board and the usual silence from the City Council.
Outrage Over Decision to Eliminate Kindergarten Line
The controversy revolves around the Mario Vargas Llosa Primary School, located in Trapiche Norte, where the decision by the regional administration to eliminate a kindergarten line for 3-year-olds has sparked outrage. The AMPA La Florida has described this as an “outrage” and a violation of the right of many families to enroll their children in the schools of their choice within the area of influence and according to a scale.
Reduction in Schooling Options for Parents
According to the association, the school has received 42 priority applications, but will only offer 25 from the remaining line, while the 25 from the other line will disappear. This means that 17 families who meet the requirements and have the right due to proximity to their homes or workplaces will be left without a place in a “totally incongruous” manner.
Only Six Places Available for New Families
The AMPA explains that of the 25 places offered, 19 are assigned to students who already have siblings at the school or are children of school staff. Thus, the offer is actually only six places for new families.
Over 50 Real Requests for School Places
In addition, the María Auxiliadora CDP has historically had 25 places and has received 54 requests, of which more than 15 families have chosen the Mario Vargas Llosa Primary School as their second option. Therefore, the school located in Trapiche Norte has more than 50 real requests.
Parents’ Rights Violated, Says AMPA
The AMPA believes that the rights of parents are being “violated” by the elimination of the kindergarten line at Vargas Llosa “due to a forecast lack of requests”, as they claim has been conveyed by the Board. They describe the decision as a “major mistake” and demand what they believe is rightfully theirs as a center and, above all, what belongs to those families whose rights will be violated.
Threat of Protests if Education Council Does Not Rectify Decision
If the Education Council does not rectify the AMPA’s request, which is “based on data”, they announce that they will hold demonstrations. They are demanding an “official and public response before the end of April”, otherwise, they will establish “a series of measures and mobilizations”.
