Denmark’s public school system is facing significant challenges, including teacher shortages, declining well-being, and increasing frustration among employees, students, and parents. The current structure, heavily regulated and centralized, is failing to provide equal quality across municipalities and stifling initiative at the local level.

A proposal suggests transforming public schools into state-owned independent institutions by August 1, 2027, similar to upper secondary schools. These institutions would be publicly funded but managed locally with professional boards composed of individuals with expertise in education, pedagogy, higher education, and local affairs.

The aim is to empower schools with greater autonomy, allowing them to develop strategic direction and foster a sense of responsibility and ownership. This would also entail abolishing municipal school administrations, enabling municipalities to focus on other administrative areas.

Proponents argue that this restructuring is not an ideological experiment but a practical solution to address systemic issues. The current system, characterized by excessive regulation and centralized control, has led to a situation where schools are caught between ministerial targets, administrative spreadsheets, and parental involvement, hindering their ability to function effectively.

The proposal acknowledges concerns about potential inequality but emphasizes that such disparities already exist. Furthermore, it recognizes the possibility of school closures if they fail to function adequately or attract students.

The restructuring is presented as a necessary step to preserve the idea of the public school as a common educational project and a democratic meeting place for all children, regardless of their background. The authors urge decisive action to address the alarming situation in many public schools, emphasizing that caution is no longer warranted.