Education is an investment, not a spending item. Cuts today turn into skills deficits, social costs, and lost competitiveness in the future.
In early childhood education, staffing ratios and group sizes are not just operational questions — they are developmental ones. Quality early childhood education in the first years has the highest long-term return of any educational investment. In Kirkkonummi I have consistently opposed cuts to early childhood education that save money on paper but cost more in the long run.
Lifelong learning is not a supplementary concern — it is a structural requirement in an economy being reshaped by automation and AI. The education system must serve adults in transition, not only young people finishing compulsory education. Public investment in adult education, retraining, and professional development pays returns across the working population.
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A cold harvest for Kirkkonummi — a weak budget
The government's mid-term session cut state subsidies and corporate tax. This significantly narrows the room for manoeuvre for local councils.
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Education is the municipality's most important task
Education is the municipality's most important task. Investment in education pays off far into the future — there are no quick wins.
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Is education under special protection?
Education is being cut deeply, despite government claims to the contrary. Index increases and legal reforms do not cover hundreds of millions in cuts.
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One step forward, two steps back
The government is making necessary reforms to upper secondary education, but they do not compensate for €120 million cuts to vocational education.
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The municipality must plan for the long term
Municipalities must plan for the long term. Short-sighted decisions lead to extra costs and poorer services for residents over time.
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Local nature must be cherished
Not every forest needs to be felled. Local nature that is in active use in particular must be preserved, and it is an important part of our municipality.
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Well planned is half done, but…
The Gesterby school complex project plan has been returned for further preparation three times. Six years of planning, still no new building.
