Vitåskolan's being or not being has long been a wake-up call since Luleå municipality announced that the municipal school would be closed.
On Monday, it became clear that the school will open in the autumn but as a free school.
- It's fantastic fun that we can do something for real!
Previously, you only sat with applications and meetings here and there with all sorts of things just to get a permit, says Emil Modig who is chairman of Vitådalen's school economic association.
The People's House bought the premises
The economic association that will now run the independent school has thought that Luleå municipality has requested an unreasonably high rent.
Last week, the Folkets hus association in Vitå decided to buy the premises and Vitådalen's school rents the premises from them.
- We may think that it is not right that we should have to run the school under our own auspices just because we happen to be at one end of the municipality.
But if you leave that question there, it is for us a better economy to own the building as long as our business can be run, says Emil Modig.
Risk that the room gaps empty
If it turns out that it would not be possible to run school activities within the next 10-15 years, Folkets hus, which owns the premises, has a large and expensive premises.
- It's a risk.
But SEK 400,000 in purchases are not large sums, but it is about the operation and costs there.
The municipality wanted between 700,000-800,000 kronor annually in addition to operating costs for the premises for rent and that is where the problem has been, says Modig.
Recruit staff fully
What happens now?
- Now we are in port and can start recruiting staff.
We have already finished with a principal and we have teachers who have shown interest in working with us.
Now the last obstacle is gone?
- Yes.
Now it's cleared away so now we drive!