The Future of Elementary Education in Trynwâlden

In the Trynwâlden region, the municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel and the school boards of Adenium and Oarsprong are collaborating to create a strong and future-proof primary education system. Specifically, this concerns education in the villages of Gytsjerk (CBS Ichthus & OBS Thrimwalda), Oentsjerk (OBS De Opstap & CBS De Paadwizer), Aldtsjerk (OBS It Sinnehonk), and Mûnein (OBS ’t Kuirêd).

This is necessary: student enrollment is declining, the teacher shortage is growing, and many school buildings no longer meet modern standards. As a result, not only is school housing under pressure, but so too are the quality and continuity of elementary education in the long term. 

That is why we are working step by step to create a new situation in which children can continue to receive a quality education in the future: close to home and in an environment that is in step with the times. On this page, you will find the current status and next steps for the project.

Current Status

The feasibility study for a single collaborative school in Gytsjerk has been completed. Both school boards (Adenium and Oarsprong) see opportunities to continue working together on a new school. We are now working on the next steps and preparing for the next phase after the summer.

Where are we now?

A study was recently conducted in Gytsjerk to explore the possibility of establishing a single collaborative school. This study has now been completed.

This indicates that both school districts are open to continuing to work together on a new school in Gytsjerk. At the same time, no final decision has yet been made on this matter. 

The next phase will focus on how the strengths of both schools can be combined into a single, future-proof facility. 

What are we working on?

  • Further developing the direction for the cooperative school in Gytsjerk;
  • Preparing the next steps for after the summer;
  • Coordination between the municipality and school boards.

What happens next?

Before the summer, efforts will be made to clarify the next steps, including the question of which governing body a new school would fall under. After that, three key areas of development will begin:

  • formulate a shared vision for education;
  • define a shared identity;
  • take the formal steps toward making a decision.

Process and Planning

We are working step by step to create future-proof educational facilities in Trynwâlden.

What does the process look like?

We made a conscious decision to start in Gytsjerk. There is currently a sense of optimism here that makes it the right time to get started. The insights we gain here will also help us address the challenges that will arise as we work to make education in the Trynwâlden region future-proof. 

  1. Completed: 2024

    Initial ideas for the new educational situation in Trynwâlden have been explored. An earlier scenario failed to gain sufficient support, prompting a change in direction

  2. Completion: 2025

    Decision to pursue an approach involving new construction and collaboration with community services. Initial exploration begins in Gytsjerk. 

  3. Completed: Early 2026

    The Gytsjerk feasibility study has been completed and reviewed. Preparations for the next phase are underway.

  4. Currently in progress: For summer 2026

    Further details. Setting up the project organization.

  5. Still to be done: After summer 2026

    Development and decision-making. Begin substantive development and formal procedures.

Projects

We’re starting in Gytsjerk. We’ll apply the insights we gain here to the rest of Trynwâlden. 

Gytsjerk

Gytsjerk is the first project in the initiative. The feasibility study for a collaborative school has been completed here, and work is now underway on the next phase.

Gytsjerk is therefore the starting point, but not the end point. The experiences and insights gained will be used for the broader follow-up in the Trynwâlden.  

Other villages

No concrete new steps are currently being developed for the other villages. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is this process necessary?

Because enrollment is declining, buildings are aging, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the quality of education. 

Has it already been decided that a cooperative school will be established?

No. The preliminary study has been completed, but no final decision has been made yet. 

Why is it starting in Gytsjerk?

Because that's where most of the energy and progress is currently focused.  

What does this mean for other villages?

They remain involved. The developments in Gytsjerk will be used as a model for the rest of the region.  

Will schools remain open?

Yes, as long as the quality and continuity of education are ensured.  

How can I stay informed?

We share updates on the progress of this project through this website, newsletters, and meetings.

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