Features of forming of local educational policy in the consolidated territorial communities of the Carpathian region

Abstract

In the article the features of formation of the educational policy at the level of the consolidated territorial communities (CTCs) are examined. The article emphasizes that decentralization of powers gives local governments the opportunity to formulate the development of the educational policy independently at their territory. The competences received by local government bodies make it possible to focus on solving the most urgent problems of the community. The problems encountered by local government bodies during the realizations of their functions are outlined. The following problems are identified as the major ones: lack of sufficient financial resources for the maintenance of educational institutions; unregulated budgetary relations between different CTCs; lack of a strategic vision for the development of the education system, and preschool in particular, in the community. The analysis of each of these problems is carried out; however, the main attention is paid to the necessity of formation of thoughtful educational policy. The strategic development planning of the education system becomes the basis of the local educational policy for the consolidated territorial communities. The main blocks in the development of the education system by local government bodies are identified and divided into obligatory and additional. The article shows that the communities of Carpathian region are not yet ready for the effective development of the education system. The process of formation of education development plans in the consolidated territorial communities is revealed to be taking place after or along with the development of community development strategy. The basic indicators the local government bodies plan to work on to improve the functioning of the education system are analyzed. The problems the communities will work on to improve the quality of education are highlighted. The problems and risks faced by local government bodies in the implementing of their powers in field of education are identified.