The collective of educational center principals from Catalonia, with strong representation from Lleida, has formalized a letter addressed to the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa; the Minister of Education, Esther Niubó; and the political groups of the Parliament. The document, titled "Urgent Call from the Directorates of Educational Centers of Catalonia in the Face of the Educational System's Emergency," demands "substantial changes" in the current functioning of the system.
Among the main demands is the need for principals to have a "central role in decision-making." They also recall the non-compliance with the Catalan Education Law of 2009, which stipulated allocating 6% of GDP to this sector, and call for "a true, stable, and long-term national pact in education" that avoids constant changes in model depending on the ruling party. They propose that this pact be led by "professionals and experts in education," with active participation from center directorates.
The demands are grouped into six axes: review of the inclusive school decree and the reception model; center autonomy and staff management; improvement of working conditions, legal security, and administrative support for directors; educational quality; infrastructure; and the dignification of public education. Regarding inclusive education, they question whether the current implementation guarantees real learning or if the lack of resources makes it impossible, requesting more support for students with special needs and rejecting the incorporation of Mossos agents into institutes.
Regarding center autonomy, they demand immediate coverage of absences, proactive staff planning, and comprehensive professional staffing. They also request "institutional and financial recognition" for management teams, clear regulation of their working hours and vacation periods, and homogeneous criteria throughout Catalonia. They propose the creation of a center manager position for administrative tasks.
In educational quality, they urge the reinstatement of level tests for sixth grade of Primary and fourth of ESO, the provision of internal evaluation tools, and updating teacher training. Regarding infrastructure, they request "comprehensive and efficient climate control" for buildings, the replacement of temporary structures (barracons), and the renovation of deteriorated properties. Finally, in the dignification of public education, they call for promoting family co-responsibility and post-compulsory studies.
The manifesto also addresses the need for transparency in student allocation, ratio reduction, the incorporation of structural reception classrooms, and the creation of more specific curricula "in the hands of experienced teachers." They request mechanisms to review the continuity of professionals who do not demonstrate the necessary competence and to open centers to the community to revitalize local life. They call for "real de-bureaucratization" and the recovery of teachers' authority and prestige.
The document concludes by demanding an "executive and budgetary commitment" from the Government before June 19 for the creation of joint working teams with the directorates. The letter was initially signed by 1,343 directorates, a figure that has been increasing, representing the "vast majority" of school and institute principals in Catalonia.
