Due to the declining birthrate, schools are being integrated all over the country, and two elementary schools will be integrated in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture.
There was a local backlash against the newly decided school name, and Mayor Hirota of Kurayoshi asked for understanding, stating, "We will newly set the school song and school badge and start as a new school."
Two elementary schools in Kurayoshi City, "Seitoku" and "Nade", were merged to open in April this year. Since the plan was decided, the resident group carried out a signature campaign and a direct request for the withdrawal, resulting in a situation where the once decided school name became a blank slate.
Even after that, the city council did not accept the proposal again selected by the unification preparatory committee made up of parents' representatives, etc., and the large-scale "Seitoku" ” has caused a backlash in the local area as it was a sudden decision.
Under these circumstances, the city board of education held an information session for parents on the 4th.
In this, Mayor Kazuyuki Hirota of Kurayoshi City asked for understanding, saying, "The school name will remain as 'Seitoku,' but the school song and school emblem will be newly defined and a new school will start."
In addition, when the parents pointed out that the mayor should have exercised more independence, Mayor Hirota said, "I was thinking of respecting the conclusions of the integration preparation committee, so there was no room for my opinion. '' he explained.
Afterwards, Mayor Hirota told reporters, "I don't think we've gained their understanding. We'd like to continue to communicate with parents and local residents to gain their understanding toward the opening of the school in April." talked.