“Optimization” of the rural school network: pros and cons (case study of the Uvarovsky District, Tambov Oblast)

Abstract

During the 2000–2010-s many rural schools faced the optimization process in Russia. In this context, the Tambov Region is of exceptional interest due to the highest rates of rural schools reorganization in 2001–2019. The aim of the study is to assess at a qualitative level the pros and cons of optimizing the educational infrastructure considering the example of the Uvarovsky district, typical for the Tambov region. Based on the field data collected in July 2022, the following positive consequences of optimization could be identified: the largest villages strengthen their position in the hierarchy of rural social services; the normative distance for transporting children (30 km) contributes to the preservation of small schools and their staff in remote villages. The problem of the staff shortage in rural schools could be solved using mixed full-time – distance learning format with the involvement of teachers from cities or large rural settlements, since during the COVID-19 pandemic, children mastered the curriculum in such format without reducing the quality of education. The main negative consequences are as follows: the rate of depopulation of small villages increases with the closure of branch schools; small schools located less than 30 km away from a larger school will be closed, and the daily commuting will have a negative impact on academic performance and general well-being of pupils. The discrepancy between registered and actual residents (including children) results in incorrect decisions at the regional level regarding the preservation of social infrastructure facilities, therefore updating information on those actually living in villages gains the utmost importance. The results of field data analysis for the Uvarovsky district of the Tambov region could be useful for further study of optimization processes in other moderately populated regions of Russia.