New Leadership, Persistent Challenges
Alba Peña, the newly elected president of the Coordinadora d'AFAs de Sant Cugat, has taken over from outgoing leader Carme Roca as the 2026-2027 school year begins. Peña, a parent involved in education since her children entered nursery, stressed the need to defend and strengthen public schooling in the municipality. Her appointment comes at a time of ongoing tensions over school capacity, infrastructure and climate adaptation.
Public School Crisis: Overcrowding and Closed Classes
Peña highlighted the closure of infant classes (I-3) in public schools like L'Olivera and Gerbert d'Orlhac, while private-subsidised schools expand. She condemned the disparity: "Two public schools start with only one I-3 class, yet add extra groups for children leaving subsidised schools after Infantil." According to data from agora.xtec.cat, Gerbert d'Orlhac offers limited I-3 places, contributing to parental anxiety.
"The network subsidised can graduate with more groups than public schools. That is perverse.", Alba Peña, President, Coordinadora d'AFAs de Sant Cugat
Peña argued that the municipality's policy of equating public and subsidised options undermines equitable access. She noted that subsidised schools such as La Farga offer up to 72 places, while public schools typically offer fewer, creating competitive pressure.
Construction Delays and Infrastructure Failures
Parents remain concerned about La Mirada school, which is still under construction despite years of delays. Peña said political disagreement has stalled progress, though the school has developed a strong educational project. Meanwhile, schools like Joan Maragall and Gerbert d'Orlhac face maintenance crises. Joan Maragall’s gym suffered flooding, and remediation work is ongoing, according to Ajuntament Impulsa. At Gerbert d'Orlhac, leaks are blamed on poor maintenance, not just building flaws.
Climate Control and Student Welfare
Peña called for air conditioning in classrooms, stating, "Refuge centres are not enough." She warned that physical education spaces could reach 36°C during heatwaves. While the town council has funded shade structures and climate shelters, Peña stressed that the responsibility lies with the Generalitat, which owns the buildings. She criticised the lack of air conditioning despite Sant Cugat’s high per capita income.
School Environment and Accessibility
The Coordinadora supports the "camins escolars" initiative, a participatory project aimed at safer school routes. However, Peña said promised improvements remain unfulfilled. She also praised the city’s five school zones, which ensure local access and have been effective in reducing transport conflicts.
Financial Equity and School Choice
Peña questioned the expansion of subsidised school places while public classes are cut. She noted that 36 public I-3 places remain unfilled citywide, suggesting misaligned policy. "If you want a private-style nursery with yoga and advanced maths, pay for it," she said, arguing that public nurseries should be the default first option.
"We need air conditioning in classrooms. Climate shelters are not sufficient.", Alba Peña
Peña urged the town council to use €1 million in Generalitat funds specifically for school improvements, not redirect them to other municipal projects. The 2026 budget proposal, approved in draft by the municipal plenary, includes investment in educational facilities, but final allocation remains under discussion.
Looking Ahead
Peña’s three priorities are clear: install air conditioning, reopen closed classes, and ensure public schools operate at full capacity. She also hopes to expand the "Festa de la Pública" to celebrate public education. Her vision is a unified, municipally integrated network, similar to the CAP healthcare model, where families choose their local school without competition or inequality.
Primary sources: premsa.santcugat.cat, santcugat.cat, govern.cat, decidim.santcugat.cat, omet.santcugat.cat, cugat.cat. Reported by agora.xtec.cat, ajuntamentimpulsa.cat, totsantcugat.cat, contractaciopublica.cat, TOT Sant Cugat.
