Riga, May 23 (LETA) - Taking into account the reforms that have already been carried out so far, there is no need to change the network of educational institutions in Jelgava, political forces running in the upcoming elections in the city told LETA.

Imants Konutis, the leader of Latvia First list, admitted that a few years ago an education reform was already carried out, which affected several schools in Jelgava.

"Now we should evaluate the pros and cons. In the near future, we should not make fundamental changes, but solve the problems caused by the previous reform," said Konutis.

Uldis Dumins, a representative of Movement For!, also believes that the network of educational institutions in Jelgava is relatively well organized. However, the situation needs to be assessed and, if necessary, reviewed further.

"I believe that there is no need to reduce the number of educational institutions at the moment, but the distribution of the number of pupils between schools should definitely be reviewed," said Aigars Rublis, councilor and leader of the New Unity list.

He pointed out that there are currently unequal workloads - there are schools where the number of pupils far exceeds the capacity of the premises and resources, while other schools are left with vacant, unused places. Therefore, it is necessary to find balanced and well-thought-out solutions, including in cooperation with the Jelgava municipality.

Deputy Mayor Jurijs Strods, representing the National Alliance, also believes that the reorganization of the network of municipal educational institutions in the city has already been carried out and successfully completed.

"At the same time, as a caring landlord, the municipality does not exclude the possibility of re-evaluating the issues of network optimization in the future, according to current needs," explained Strods.

The number one on the list of the Latvian Association of Regions, councilor Gunars Kurlovics, is also convinced that it is not necessary to revise the school network at the moment, but in cooperation with the municipality it is possible to create more demand from the rural population.

"We successfully optimized the Jelgava school network several years ago and now the city's school network now is optimal. Only the optimization of the school network in Jelgava municipality can bring changes, which could mean an increase in the number of pupils in Jelgava city schools," said Mayor Andris Ravins, who is also at the top of the list of the Union of Greens and Farmers this year.

Igors Orlovs, leader of the Harmony list, also said that the network of municipal educational institutions has been reviewed and a potential operating model has been found that will allow the institutions to develop smoothly and serve the demand in line with the population indicators.