In the small Catalan village of Palau de Santa Eulàlia, home to just 130 residents, debates have once again flared up over the fate of the local school. In 2021, after a long hiatus and amid the pandemic, the learning center reopened its doors. However, five years later, the school is set to close once more—this time at the initiative of the municipal leader.
The mayor explained the decision by citing the municipality’s inability to maintain the school due to financial difficulties. According to him, the school’s expenses have become an unbearable strain on an already deficit-ridden budget. Local authorities now plan to use the building to house the town administration, believing this will help cut costs and solve the ongoing issue of finding space for municipal services.
Parents and teachers reacted with outrage. Many families had moved to Palau de Santa Eulàlia specifically so their children could attend a small rural school. Now, they fear the center’s closure will drive residents away and lead to the village’s decline. They believe having a school is crucial for attracting new families and securing the community’s future.
The school served 18 students, most of them young children from neighboring villages. For many parents, this was the only way their children could get an education in a familiar environment without enduring long commutes. Now, they’re left to look for other schools—often overcrowded and far from home.
Financial crisis and political disputes
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the municipality has been running a budget deficit for several years. The new mayor, elected by a narrow margin, claims he was forced to take unpopular measures: cutting expenses, raising taxes, and discontinuing certain social services. Attempts to reach an agreement with regional authorities for additional funding have been unsuccessful.
The former head of the settlement believes that spending on the school was exaggerated and that closing it was a premature decision. He is convinced that having an educational institution attracted new families and revived the village. In his view, shutting down the school could eventually lead to the community’s decline.
A divided community and an uncertain future
Within Palau de Santa Eulalia, opinions are split. Some residents support the mayor, arguing that financial stability and efficient management of municipal property should be the top priorities. Others believe that losing the school is a blow to the village’s future and its appeal to young families.
Regional authorities emphasize that the building belongs to the municipality, and if local officials are not willing to make it available, they will have to cease educational activities. Most students will be able to continue their studies in neighboring towns, although parents worry there may not be enough spots available.
The school building also housed a community center, which hosted various events for local residents. Now, these functions are in jeopardy as well. The city council plans to relocate administrative offices and a medical station here, but many residents feel this will not make up for losing the educational facility.
The story of Palau de Santa Eulàlia has become an example of how financial difficulties and political disagreements can shape the fate of small communities. The question of what matters more—saving money or preserving vital infrastructure for future generations—remains unresolved.
