Teachers at IES Gabriel Miró have strongly opposed a government decision to transfer over 450 secondary and high school students and 41 staff, from IES El Palmeral to their school. The move is part of a plan to convert IES El Palmeral into an Integrated Vocational Training Centre.
The teachers argue that IES Gabriel Miró is already operating at maximum capacity, lacking adequate facilities such as sports fields, libraries, and sufficient classrooms. They fear that the influx of additional students will exacerbate overcrowding and seriously compromise the quality of education and the futures, particularly of the 450 students affected by the move.
The Orihuela mayor and councillor for education seem ready to sacrifice a large number of students in Orihuela in much the same way as they have already done so with the education of children in Orihuela Costa.
The proposed solution of housing the IES El Palmeral students in temporary portable accommodation while a new building is constructed has also been met with resistance. Teachers believe this would further disrupt the learning environment and worsen existing conditions.
The faculty has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and consultation in the decision-making process, as well as the potential impact on educational resources and ongoing projects. They have demanded that the government reconsider the transfer and prioritize the construction of a new school to accommodate the increased student population.
The teachers’ union, Comisiones Obreras, has also voiced its opposition to the transfer, echoing concerns about overcrowding and inadequate facilities. The situation has sparked widespread discontent among the educational community, with parents and students joining the protest.
As of now, the Ministry of Education has failed to provide specific details about the new vocational training centre’s curriculum, budget, or timeline for construction so the future of education in Orihuela remains uncertain as the community awaits a resolution to this contentious issue.
