Denmark allocates 500 million DKK to protect rural public schools

Families in rural Denmark may soon see fewer local school closures. The Danish government will spend 500 million DKK to support small public schools.

Fewer children in rural areas put many small schools at risk. Economic Minister Pia Olsen Dyhr announced the plan today. She visited a local school in Toksværd. She said schools create vital connections in rural areas.

The plan fulfills a government promise from June. Small rural schools will get more funds and freedom. One example is the school branch in Hyllinge. The school has only 54 students. Local officials proposed closing it to save 7.53 million DKK annually. School board chair Karina Wolan welcomed the funding proposal.

The local council will vote on its budget on October 6. Copenhagen Post reports that distribution details are still unclear.