'Pupils are the biggest losers from Dominicus College closure'
The Dominicus College in Nijmegen has to close its doors as of August 2024. The Monnikskap, the department for students with a disability, cannot stay in that place either. It is distressing that the board has not done more to preserve this unique example of appropriate education AObdriver Jelmer Evers.
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De Monnikskap is a department of the Dominicus College (780 students) where students with a physical disability and/or chronic illness can follow havo and vwo. There are extra facilities, such as physiotherapy, to ensure that pupils at a regular school can follow tailor-made education. Students from the Dominicus College and the Monkshood performed together at the end of last year in action to prevent closure.
School board @voCampus calls the decision in a statement on the website a result of contraction in Nijmegen and the surrounding area, this year by 4,3 percent. 'The falling influx of students and the fact that the Dominicus has become a relatively small school is causing financial problems.' According to the board, cooperation or merger with other schools does not offer a structural solution and a 'continuation of the Dominicus College is administratively irresponsible'.
Protest
Initially @voCampus intended to merge Dominicus College with Kandinsky College, but that intention led to fierce protests of parents, students and the participation council. Now the board saw no other option than to close the Dominicus College completely. The mr advised against this and asked the board to investigate alternative scenarios. The board now appears to be research hold on to the closure. Unlike a merger, the dissolution of a school does not require permission from the mr.
This is exactly what we as a society have in mind with appropriate education
“It's a real shame that this school is dying,” says AObdirector Jelmer Evers. “A board should do everything it can to keep such a good example of inclusive education open in a small-scale setting. This is exactly what we have in mind as a society with appropriate education. If funding is a problem, cooperation with other parties such as the municipality or politicians should be sought. The students are now the biggest losers.”
Diligent
Whether the board's arguments provide sufficient substantiation for the closure and whether this will put a stop to the shrinkage, is also the question, according to Evers. “A closure is an extreme means that involves the necessary emotions and that must be prepared very carefully. There are examples, such as in Doetinchem, where the board has taken years to ensure that it runs in harmony. The closure of the Dominicus has been continued with steam and boiling water, while it is still questionable whether this is the solution."
The closure of the Dominicus has been pushed through with steam and boiling water, while the question is whether this is the solution
The school board reports that the survival of the Monkshood is guaranteed and wants to house it at Kandinsky College. An information meeting will follow this week about the decision and its consequences for students and staff. On March 30, the topic will be on the agenda of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriate Education.
De AOb will be involved in this reorganization. Staff members who have questions or would like support can contact: info@aob.nl
