A Brief Summary
On June 4, 2024, the Legislative Assembly of Paraná (Alep) approved a controversial bill that allows the outsourcing of public school management in the state. The bill, proposed by Governor Ratinho Junior (PSD), establishes the "School Partner" program, which provides for the transfer of administration of 204 state schools to private companies. These companies will be responsible for areas such as administration, finance, human resources, maintenance, and security. However, the bill still needs to be sanctioned by the governor to come into effect.
The approval of the bill sparked a wave of protests throughout the state. Around 20,000 people took to the streets of Curitiba, and the Legislative Assembly's plenary was occupied. State education workers also began a strike in repudiation of the measure. Opposition lawmakers criticized the bill, arguing that it will harm the quality of public education and hand over control of schools to the private sector, characterizing it as a disguised privatization that represents a direct attack on democracy and the rights of families who depend on these schools.
The bill was approved in the first round on the night of June 3, 2024, in a remote session due to the occupation of Alep by demonstrators. There were 39 votes in favor and 12 against. A second-round vote and the governor's sanction are still necessary for it to come into effect.
Opponents of the bill, including state representative Professor Lemos (PT), argue that this is "the worst bill" ever presented for the education sector in the state. The occupation of Alep, considered an "invasion" by government coalition lawmakers, was an act of resistance against the measure, which was met with tear gas and stun grenades by the Military Police.
The bill, which is being processed under an urgent regime, provides for companies' interference not only in administrative management but also in the pedagogical aspect, ending the election of directors and subjecting employees to the orders of entrepreneurs. APP-Sindicato warns that this interference could cause fraud in school and student indicators, as the government promises to increase the transfer of resources to companies that achieve certain targets. In schools that have already been privatized, such as Anibal Khury Neto in Curitiba and Anita Canet in São José dos Pinhais, there were terminations of temporary teacher contracts and the hiring of new teachers under the CLT, who can be dismissed at any time.
The Legislative Assembly of Paraná is expected to continue analyzing the final text of the bill, which may undergo legislative changes and adaptations. Meanwhile, teachers and students are maintaining an indefinite strike, indicating that the future of public education in the state is still uncertain and marked by intense political and social disputes. This bill represents a true privatization of public education, a direct attack on the democratic rights of school communities, and a serious risk for all families who depend on these 204 schools, which have been maintained with citizens' taxes over the years.
On the other hand, the state government remains firm in defending the bill. Ratinho Junior and his allies argue that the measure is necessary to modernize and optimize school management, pointing to experiences in other states and countries where outsourcing has, according to them, brought improvements in efficiency and quality of education. The government promises that the changes will bring more resources to school infrastructure and ensure better remuneration for teachers.
Critics argue that the promise of greater efficiency is viewed with skepticism by many educators and experts. They emphasize that historical experience with privatizations and outsourcing in other public sectors has shown mixed results, with many cases of job insecurity and a decline in the quality of services. Additionally, there is concern that the introduction of performance targets imposed by private companies could lead to "management by results" that does not take into account the diverse and complex realities of public schools.
Pressure on the Governor: A Decisive Strategy
In light of the initial approval of the "School Partner" project by the Legislative Assembly of Paraná, the population, especially the most affected sectors, must mobilize to pressure the government, particularly Governor Ratinho Junior, to reconsider this controversial measure. The unity between teachers, unions, and the school community is essential to halt the advance of outsourcing public schools, which threatens the quality and integrity of education in the state.
Popular mobilization is a powerful tool to influence political decisions. The protests that have already taken place demonstrated the organizational capacity and vocal power of those opposing the project. However, it is necessary to maintain and intensify this pressure. The population should use all available means to protest against the project, including participating in public hearings, signing petitions, holding peaceful demonstrations, and running awareness campaigns on social media.
Unity with teachers and unions is crucial. These groups have been directly affected by the proposal, which threatens layoffs and job precariousness, weakening organized resistance. Supporting teachers and unions in their demands is a vital strategy to strengthen the fight against outsourcing. Teachers are experts in education and understand the needs of schools and students. Their voices are fundamental to argue against the project and propose viable alternatives.
Unions, in turn, have experience in mobilization and negotiation. They can coordinate more impactful actions, such as strikes and occupations, and also seek support from national and international entities that defend public education. Additionally, unions can provide legal and organizational support to contest the project in legal spheres, seeking injunctions and lawsuits that could delay or prevent the implementation of the "School Partner" program.
Pressure on Governor Ratinho Junior must be constant and incisive. The governor has the final authority to sanction or veto the bill, and his decision will be influenced by the political climate and public opinion. It is essential for citizens to voice their concerns, showing the governor that outsourcing school management is an attack on democracy and not the will of the people of Paraná. The population can send letters, emails, and petitions to the governor's office, and organize demonstrations in strategic locations, such as the Palácio Iguaçu and Alep.
It is also important to use the media to amplify the message. Journalistic coverage can bring the debate to a broader audience, increasing awareness and support for the cause. Organizing interviews, writing opinion pieces, and participating in radio and television programs are effective ways to disseminate information and arguments against outsourcing schools.
The union of different segments of society — teachers, students, parents, unions, and social movements — is fundamental to creating a cohesive and strong movement. History shows that significant changes and the protection of social rights often result from well-organized and persistent popular movements. This struggle requires determination, resilience, and a clear vision of the goal: to preserve and improve public education, ensuring that it remains accessible, equitable, and of high quality for all.
In this context, mobilization should not be limited to occasional reactions but extend to a continuous and sustainable action plan. Building alliances with other social sectors, seeking legislative support among undecided parliamentarians, and maintaining constant pressure on the authorities are essential strategies. The goal is to create a political and social environment where outsourcing public schools becomes unfeasible, forcing the government to seek alternative solutions that meet the real needs of education in Paraná without compromising its fundamental principles.
Defending public education is a matter of social justice. Outsourcing represents a serious risk to all families who depend on these 204 schools, maintained with citizens' taxes. By handing over school management to the private sector, the government endangers the future of Paraná's children and youth, threatening the quality of education and the equity of the school system. It is essential for the society of Paraná to rise against this measure, defending public education as a fundamental and non-negotiable right.
The Constitutional Issue and Outsourcing Public Schools
The right to education in Brazil is a fundamental pillar guaranteed by the Federal Constitution of 1988. In Article 205, the Constitution declares that education is a right of all and a duty of the State and the family, aiming to promote the full development of the person, their preparation for the exercise of citizenship, and their qualification for work. This principle is complemented by Article 206, which establishes the principles that should govern education in the country, including equal conditions for access and permanence in school, the gratuity of public education, and the democratic management of public education.