The Assumption of Competencies and Responsibilities by Portuguese Municipalities in the Domain of School Network Planning from the Perspective of Local Political Representatives

Abstract

Shared responsibilities between central and local authorities in the field of school network planning forced Portuguese municipalities to make very significant changes. This research aimed to evaluate the process of local incorporation of recent competencies, seeking to understand the respective main impacts on place-based decisions, considering the two phases of affirmation of the education charter as a management tool for school buildings. The perceptions of six municipal councillors for education were collected through open interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Although the majority of local political representatives recognize the increased autonomy of local power and are positive about the decentralisation of competencies, it was possible to observe a generalized dissatisfaction with the way in which the process was being conducted. We highlight as the most negative aspects the government’s inability to respond to territorial specificities and to follow the ambitions, capabilities, and needs of local authorities.