Education Committee

The Education Committee addressed a council motion proposing to limit the use of mobile devices during breaks in secondary schools and increase youth activities. Currently, mobile devices may only be used during outdoor breaks for 3 x 15 minutes per day in all secondary schools, and Sääksjärvi secondary school is experimenting with a complete ban during November. Schools already organize various break activities such as sports, music, and board game breaks according to student council wishes. Implementing a complete ban still requires investigations into safe storage of phones and practical implementation in different school buildings.

The Education and Teaching Committee acknowledged the official decisions made by the Director of Education from October 16 to November 12. The committee did not take any of the decisions for separate consideration, which means they remain in force as they are. The decisions likely concern routine administrative matters of schools and early childhood education, such as personnel matters and procurement approvals.

The Director of Education presented several current affairs regarding education and early childhood education in Lempäälä at the meeting. New Early Childhood Education Manager Henna Nabb introduced herself to the committee and will begin work in January 2026. The meeting also heard about the commencement of the basic renovation of Hakkari School and plans to establish a flexible small group for 5-6-year-old children who need special support. The committee noted all matters without separate decisions.

The Education and Training Board approved the agenda of its meeting and the order of business as planned. This is a standard procedure at the beginning of each meeting to ensure that all matters are handled in the agreed order.

The National Institute for Health and Welfare published the results of Lempäälä's school health study, which was answered by 1,276 students from primary school to upper secondary level. The majority of children and young people are doing well and enjoy attending school, and as a positive change, the use of e-cigarettes has been halved. However, there is particular concern about the increase in anxiety among girls - every third lower secondary school girl experiences moderate to severe anxiety. The results will be utilized in schools and working groups to improve student well-being.

The Education and Teaching Board proposes to the municipal council an additional appropriation of 912,500 euros for the 2025 budget. The largest expense items are home municipality compensations to other municipalities (500,000 €) when Lempäälä students study elsewhere, and the implementation of the new learning support law (161,500 €). Early childhood education service voucher prices will increase by 260,000 euros due to index adjustment. Expenses are partially offset by early childhood education fee revenues exceeding expectations by 250,000 euros.