A proposal by a group of mainly Israeli residents to establish a private “international” school in a former Greek primary school building in southern Crete has sparked debate in the local community.
According to local media, the proposal concerns the former primary school in Vasiliki, in the municipality of Ierapetra, Lasithi, and has drawn opposition from several local education groups and other community organizations. At the same time, the municipality has stressed that no final decision has been made and that the building has not been granted to the proposed school.
Municipality Says it views the idea positively
Ierapetra Deputy Mayor Giorgos Chatzakis said the municipality views the idea positively in principle but has not approved the project.
He also said that no formal request has yet been submitted by an organization that would operate the school. Any decision would require further examination of the proposal and a vote by the municipal council.
The municipality has also stressed the importance of informing and consulting the local community before the process moves forward.
The school proposal emerged after contacts between interested residents and the municipality that began about two years ago, according to Deputy Mayor Chatzakis.
Details reported about the proposed school indicate that teaching would take place mainly in English, alongside Greek language and elements of Greek culture. The school would not be intended exclusively for Israeli children, according to information attributed to the municipality.
Local Groups Raise Questions About the Building
The proposal has prompted reactions from education unions and local organizations.
Some groups oppose the possible use of a public school building for a private educational institution. They argue that the building should remain available for educational, cultural or community activities.
The former school is currently used by the local cultural association for activities in the village, according to local reports.
Other local representatives have called for more information before residents take a position. Questions include the proposed operating arrangements, the future use of the building and the role of the local cultural association.
The debate has also attracted wider political and activist interventions. Those positions reflect the views of the groups making them and do not represent a general position of the local community.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration.
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