Selmanović: Did the Government of Sarajevo Canton Unilaterally Decide to Close Special Education Centers?

(Patria) - Did the Government of Sarajevo Canton unilaterally decide to close special education centers, asked tonight in a post on social networks the SDA representative in the Cantonal Assembly Faruk Selmanović.

Selmanović reminded that at today's 51st session, the Government of Sarajevo Canton discussed the situation at the Public Institution Center for Education, Training and Rehabilitation "Vladimir Nazor", the Institute for Special Education and Upbringing of Children "Mjedenica", and the Center for Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Sarajevo.

"According to available information after reviewing the reports, in which it was stated that the mentioned institutions have no purpose, the Government of Sarajevo Canton decided to dismiss all directors with the ultimate goal of abolishing these institutions by the end of 2025.

Namely, according to reports, the plan of the relevant minister Hota-Muminović is to, with the explanation of unfilled school boards caused by the new Law on Primary and Secondary Education, independently appoint managers through authorization.

Thus bypassing the provisions of the law which stipulate that acting directors are appointed by the school board. The mentioned actors would then have the obligation to close all the mentioned institutions by the end of 2025 and transfer the employed special educators as well as the wards of the institutions to regular school institutions without prior systemic and personnel adjustment of the same.

Given that such thoughtless behavior by the relevant minister could lead to complete chaos in this segment of education, I demand public answers from the minister to the following questions:

1️⃣ Is it true that all managers of these institutions were dismissed today?

2️⃣ Did the mentioned institutions have the opportunity to submit their statements on today's information provided by the minister?

3️⃣ If the above is true, was the profession consulted when making such a complex decision?