Mārupe expands schools as student numbers keep rising

Mārupe municipality is preparing for continued growth in the number of children, with more than 600 pupils due to start first grade this autumn and additional teachers and support staff needed, LSM reported, citing Zemgale Regional Television.

Municipal estimates indicate that the population will continue to increase over the next decade, creating a need for enough places in schools and preschools. Children account for more than 29% of Mārupe’s population, the municipality said, describing the figure as the highest in Latvia.

“The positive indicator also brings its own challenges, because we lack capacity, particularly in general education institutions,” said Agnese Jankuna, deputy executive director of Mārupe municipality.

A new preschool, Mārupīte, will open in Tīraine this autumn. It will accept more than 300 children in 15 groups from September 1. The project cost exceeds 12 million euros, including 5 million euros in funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

The shortage of places also affects schools. Jaunmārupe Primary School has formed 43 classes for the new academic year, with more than 1,200 pupils. Some classes will have as many as 30 children.

“The large number of children is a challenge, because the school infrastructure is what it is, and we are constantly growing,” said school principal Laura Buravcova. She identified providing meals for all pupils and expanding sports facilities as particular concerns.

The municipality is working on the design of a new school in Skulte that will include both primary and preschool education. It is also developing plans for possible extensions at several educational institutions to ensure enough places in general education.

As the number of children and the need for inclusive education increase, preschools also need more special education teachers.