New principal takes over at Palsa Primary School in Smiltene municipality

Starting Monday, August 24, Palsa Primary School in Smiltene municipality has a new principal — Ilze Vikmane, a Palsmane resident who previously served as deputy head for educational work. Municipal council deputies approved her appointment at a session on August 20.

The previous principal, Inga Auga, resigned of her own accord, with her last working day in the post being August 21.

Palsa Primary School, located in Palsmane, serves students with special needs, offering preschool, primary school (grades 1–9), and vocational basic education programs. Last academic year the school had 136 students, with a similar number expected this year. The school employs 43 teachers and 12 support staff.

Vikmane has 27 years of experience in education. She previously taught at Grundzāle and Palsmane primary schools, and has worked at Palsa Primary School since 2004, serving as deputy head for educational work since 2016.

Relocation to Variņi ahead

The new principal considers the school's planned relocation from Palsmane to the former Variņi Primary School building its biggest challenge. The move must be completed by the end of 2029 under a municipal infrastructure project. The decision stems from the current school building — a manor house built in 1880 — being unsuited to modern educational needs, particularly for students with mobility impairments, with renovation deemed too costly and impractical.

Vikmane stresses that students' well-being will be the priority during the move and hopes all three education levels can be preserved at the new Variņi location, though current plans cover only the primary school. The exact relocation timeline is not yet set, as design work is still underway before construction procurement can begin. Part of the move could potentially happen as early as the 2027/2028 school year.