City takes next steps following ruling on De Tweestroom Elementary School
In response to Groeisaam’s proposed decision to close De Tweestroom Elementary School, Alderman Reuvers has initiated several follow-up steps.
The municipality West Maas en Waal the vital importance of maintaining a primary school for the quality of life and social cohesion of the village Altforst. Both villagers and the municipal council repeatedly stated that they consider it essential for children to be able to continue attending school in their own village in the future. Based on this conviction, the municipality has supported the parent initiative, united under the De Sprong Foundation, wherever possible and appropriate within the scope of its municipal role. This support consisted of both substantive and financial contributions.
Doubts about student enrollment projections
There is Altforst community and political support in Altforst for keeping the school open. Many stakeholders, including the municipality, are deeply disappointed by the recent court ruling, which determined that the decision to close De Tweestroom will not be reversed. A key point of contention concerns the student enrollment projections on which the closure decision is based. In its ruling, the court raised serious doubts about the basis and reliability of these projections.
The municipality periodically commissions an external specialized agency to prepare a student enrollment forecast in order to gain insight into the expected trends in the number of elementary school students within the municipality. A similar forecast was also conducted in 2025. This periodic approach underscores the importance the municipality places on careful and objective analysis when making decisions regarding school facilities and educational services.
Following the court ruling, the municipality has made efforts to mediate between the Groeisaam school board and Stichting De Sprong, in the hope of still reaching a solution that is acceptable to both parties and the community. However, the school board has indicated that it does not wish to reconsider its earlier decision to close the school. Groeisaam views the court’s ruling as confirmation that the procedure followed was correct and has stated that it will not revise this position, even if it turns out that the number of students is higher than indicated in the forecast used.
Municipality launches independent investigation
Because the projection of future enrollment at De Tweestroom was a key factor in the court’s deliberations regarding the school’s continued existence, the municipality decided to engage an independent external expert to recalculate the enrollment projection.
An expert has now been found and is currently working on a detailed recalculation. The municipality expects to receive this recalculation early next week. Based on the results, the municipality will determine which next steps are possible and advisable.
The municipality of West Maas en Waal committed to ensuring a thorough follow-up process and to safeguarding the interests of the residents of Altforst.