Hillestveit Skule Lives On: Community United to Save Local School
In the quaint fishing village of Langevåg, situated on the southern edge of the island municipality of Bømlo in Vestland, Norway, there’s a sense of relief and joy that’s resonating through the halls of Hillestveit Skole. The school, which was initially earmarked for closure due to budget cuts, has been given a new lease of life by a unanimous decision of the municipal council.
A Shocking Proposal
When the proposal to close Hillestveit Skole was first put forth, students, teachers, and parents alike were shocked and dismayed. "I was completely shocked when I heard the news," recalls Lone Amalie Lodden, a 15-year-old student at the school. "The first thought that came to mind was what would happen to the kids if the school closed. They’d have to travel over 40 minutes by bus to the municipality’s center in Bremnes."
A United Front
However, the community wasn’t about to go down without a fight. Parents, students, and even the local business community came together to voice their opposition to the closure. "I thought about what we could do to stop this," says Lone Amalie. "I decided to make a video with some friends about why the school is important to us and shared it on social media."
The video, along with the community’s collective voice, made an impact. The municipal council voted overwhelmingly (16-11) to keep the school open. "I was so happy when I heard the news," says Lone Amalie. "But, of course, I’m still worried about the future. I hope this won’t come up again."
A Symbol of Hope
For many in the community, Hillestveit Skole is more than just a place of learning. It’s a symbol of the community’s resilience and unity. "We’re a small, close-knit community," explains Erling Lodden, Lone Amalie’s father and a local businessman. "The school is a big part of what makes our community special. We’re not just fighting to save the school, we’re fighting to preserve our way of life."
A Trend Reversed
Hillestveit Skole’s salvation isn’t an isolated incident. According to a recent report by NRK, out of the 80 schools originally marked for closure, only a handful were actually shut down. "Many of the schools threatened with closure were eventually saved, thanks to political pressure and community activism," says Håvard Moe, a senior advisor at KS Konsulent, a consulting firm that works with Norwegian municipalities.
Indeed, the number of schools closed in 2024 was lower than the average over the past 15 years. This is partly due to a decrease in the number of small schools that are typically closed, and partly due to state funding to prevent closures.
But Challenges Remain
While the trend of school closures appears to be reversing, challenges remain. Kommunenes الأزمة (The Crisis of Norwegian Municipalities), a report by KS Konsulent, highlights the financial struggles faced by many Norwegian municipalities. With an aging population and decreasing birth rates, the demand for schools is decreasing, while the need for healthcare and elderly care is increasing.
"Municipalities are facing big changes, and they need to address many areas, not just school structure," says Bømlo Municipality Mayor Morten Helland. "We’re a growing municipality with a thriving business community. We need to keep our eyes on the future and ensure that our schools have the peace and stability they need to support our growth."
The Power of Community
In the end, it was the power of community that saved Hillestveit Skole. "We’re a community that looks out for each other," says Erling Lodden. "When we come together, we can overcome any challenge. That’s what this is all about."
So, for now, life at Hillestveit Skole goes on. The sound of laughter and learning fills its halls, and the community breathes a collective sigh of relief. The future may bring new challenges, but together, they face them head-on.
This article was updated on January 8, 2025, at 9:12 PM CET.
