Education Minister María Paz Arzola has floated the idea of pausing the transfer of municipal schools to the Local Public Education Services. The proposal aims for a mixed system and must go through Congress.
The minister stated on TVN that the Ministry of Education is working on a proposal that will not be a single solution for all cases. The goal is to allow some municipalities to retain administration of their schools if they meet certain requirements.
Currently, 34 SLEP are set to receive schools from 175 municipalities between 2027 and 2029. Arzola noted that the aim is to evaluate measures to improve the process and possibly postpone transfers in some areas.
Mayors such as Sebastián Sichel of Ñuñoa called for urgent action to suspend the transfers, while Rodrigo Wainraight of Puerto Montt declared support for proceeding. Other local leaders welcomed the review but stressed the need for resources and flexibility.
