The municipal Nya Raketskolan has struggled with major problems over the past two years. Severe understaffing led to the head safety representative temporarily stopping the operations, followed by serious criticism and threats of fines from the School Inspection. It was then discovered that the relatively newly built school had so much moisture damage and mold that the premises had to be emptied for renovation.
Fine threat lifted
However, the School Inspection has now put an end to its investigation and lifted the threats of fines totaling two million kronor. As regards Nya Raketskolan's middle school, Kiruna Municipality has reported on the measures taken to address the teacher shortage and lack of education. However, it is also the case that the middle school has ceased to exist as a separate unit for an indefinite period, and the students have been placed in other schools.
Nya Raketskolan's high school is intact but has moved to other premises. According to the School Inspection, its grade management and education are now functioning as they should.
We are very pleased with the School Inspection's decision, says Viktoria Björklund, head of the culture and education administration in Kiruna.
Recruitment problems
Although the situation is not as vulnerable as it was a couple of years ago, the municipality still has difficulty recruiting teachers.
It's a national problem. I hope that at the highest political level, they will take an interest in the fact that so few want to train to become teachers, says Viktoria Björklund.
