Formal Education in the Context of Demografic Changes in Rural Areas

Abstract

The aim of the article is to highlight how demographic changes in Poland and projections for the coming years can affect the operation of and the need for changes in formal education establishments run by gminas (municipalities), especially rural ones. Trends concerning changes in population growth, especially in terms of birthrate and rate of natural increase, affect the emerging baby booms and busts in different age groups of children and youth attending schools at each grade. It is important that all grades of education take into account the changing age structure of the population, the need for teachers to make their students aware of the need for lifelong learning because of changes in future labor resources, and to provide quality education in response to labor market challenges. Demographic changes also affect the structure of expenditures earmarked by a gmina for education. The funds available to most gminas from education subsidies do not cover the costs of educational establishment operation. If the number of pupils falls, the amount of the educational subsidy decreases, the costs of running a school remaining at a constant level, which exacerbates its financial standing. The role of gmina authorities is to take into account demographic challenges in managing the network of schools and other educational establishments. This involves consolidation activities. Institutions running educational establishments should also take into account other social risks resulting from population projections, such as the aging process, including aging of the teachers’ group and a declining number of youth pursuing studies at tertiary education establishments.