Geospatial modelling in support of Latvia's school network reorganisation initiative
A fragmented school network resulting from demographic shifts and regional economic
developments can place a significant financial burden on education systems across
OECD Member and non-Member countries. This is the case in Latvia, which has made the
reorganisation of its school network a policy priority. The Latvian Ministry of Education
and Science (MoES) is working jointly with municipalities to ensure high-quality education
for every child regardless of school location. On this basis, the OECD Directorate
for Education and Skills and OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
provided technical assistance to Latvia through capacity building workshops and the
co-construction of a geospatial simulation model to identify schools to be considered
for closing or merging. This report presents the key findings of the geospatial modelling,
confirming there indeed is considerable scope for consolidating the school network
and offers concrete policy recommendations for MoES and education stakeholders to
consider for advancing Latvia’s school network reorganisation initiative.
Published on December 20, 2023
In series:OECD Education Policy Perspectivesview more titles