Many small scale elementary schools have been closed by a government policy of 1982, due to decreasing students caused by urban migration from rural areas, de-population of urban centers and low birthrate. There has been disagreement on disposal and u...
Many small scale elementary schools have been closed by a government policy of 1982, due to decreasing students caused by urban migration from rural areas, de-population of urban centers and low birthrate. There has been disagreement on disposal and use of the closed schools. Local residents had donated the school sites and offered their labors to build the schools. Government agencies of education, however, have the authority to make decisions on the schools. Therefore, conflicts between authority and local residents on disposal and use of the schools are almost inevitable.
This thesis aims to identify the conflicts and suggest solutions. It discusses the alternatives of disposal: sale, lease, tearing down, or preservation. It also discusses the alternatives of utilization: operation, policy, public relation. These alternatives are evaluated by interview with government officials, local residents, current managers of the facilities changed from the closed schools. alumni and teachers.
The thesis recommends that local residents assume active roles in management of the closed schools to promote appropriate use, even when they are sold or leased out and that the closed schools be used as open opportunities for enhancing community culture.