Riga, Feb 19 (LETA) - The decision to change the network of educational institutions in Riga will save EUR 6 million, Laima Geikina (New Unity), the head of the education, culture and sports committee of the Riga City Council, explained at a meeting of the committee on Thursday.

When deciding on the changes to the school and kindergarten network, she stressed that the savings would be visible later, but estimated that they could reach EUR 6 million. At the same time, the lawmaker stressed that the child and quality education must come first.

The municipality explained that the measures to improve the network of educational institutions are being taken in line with the requirements of the regulatory framework for a sustainable and efficient education system, as well as to facilitate the implementation of a competency-based curriculum and the One School and the efficient use of resources.

As reported, due to the so-called demographic gap, the number of pupils in Riga is decreasing, and it is planned to close and merge several preschool and general education institutions, as in some locations the institutions are filled only 50 percent to 60 percent of their capacity.