RASK Secures Supreme Court Victory in Dispute over the Closure of Metsküla and Koonga Schools
Case
The Supreme Court annulled the decisions of Lääneranna Rural Municipality to close the Metsküla and Koonga schools, finding that the closure decisions failed to comply with statutory requirements and did not ensure the protection of parents’ rights. The parents of the Metsküla and Koonga schools were represented by RASK’s administrative law attorneys Villy Lopman, Elvi Tuisk and Sandra Kaas, who challenged the decisions adopted in March 2023, pointing to significant procedural and substantive shortcomings.
The Supreme Court emphasised that when reorganising the school network, the local government must:
This ruling will have a significant impact on the administrative practice of local governments as well as on the future approach of the courts, providing important guidance for the making of educational policy decisions.
In the spring of 2023, Lääneranna Rural Municipality decided to close two small local schools: Metsküla Primary School, known for its strong support system and inclusive learning environment, and Koonga School, the closure of which would have forced local students to commute nearly 35 kilometres to the only remaining primary school in the area.
The Supreme Court emphasised that when reorganising the school network, the local government must:
- Act in the best interests of the child,
- Assess the impact on the quality of education, the length of the school commute, and children with special educational needs,
- Consider economic factors together with all associated costs,
- Involve parents in a meaningful and timely manner.
This ruling will have a significant impact on the administrative practice of local governments as well as on the future approach of the courts, providing important guidance for the making of educational policy decisions.
In the spring of 2023, Lääneranna Rural Municipality decided to close two small local schools: Metsküla Primary School, known for its strong support system and inclusive learning environment, and Koonga School, the closure of which would have forced local students to commute nearly 35 kilometres to the only remaining primary school in the area.