Association of Bulgarian Schools Abroad (ABUCh) published a position regarding the decision to stop state funding for two Bulgarian Sunday schools in Chicago. These schools, operating under the auspices of the organization "Malkoto Balgarsko Uchilishte v Chicago" (The Little Bulgarian School in Chicago), were removed from the list of Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad, maintained by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Reactions Following the Decision
The Ministry confirmed on November 27 that it was stopping the subsidy for "Malkoto Balgarsko Uchilishte v Elk Grove Village" and "Balgarsko Nedelno Uchilishte Malka Bulgaria" in Des Plaines for the 2025/2026 school year. The decision was made at the proposal of the Consul General of Bulgaria in Chicago. According to the consul, the organization "Malkoto Balgarsko Uchilishte v Chicago" hinders the control over the schools, exercised by the consulate in accordance with a decree of the Bulgarian government.
ABUCh expresses its position, emphasizing its commitment to monitoring issues related to Bulgarian educational communities abroad. "In connection with the increased public interest in the case of The Little Bulgarian School in Chicago and the decision to remove it from the list of Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad for the 2025/2026 school year, in accordance with and by virtue of a Decree of the Council of Ministers of May 29, 2018, ABUCh declares the following: our community exists to support Bulgarian education abroad and any situation that creates uncertainty or threatens the sustainability of schools requires careful and responsible attention," the ABUCh position states.
Concerns for the Future
The publication notes that ABUCh has received numerous questions and signals expressing concerns that "in the absence of sufficient transparency, predictability and conditions for subjectivity in the application of Art. 16, para. 5, other schools will find themselves in a similar situation in the future". The Association respects the powers of the competent state authorities and the established regulatory procedures arising from the current legislation. They are convinced that any decision related to the status of educational institutions abroad must be justified, transparent and clearly communicated, in order to preserve trust, equality in the educational environment and respect for the strategic national interests of Bulgaria.
ABUCh adds that their role is to maintain an environment of respect, goodwill and professionalism in which Bulgarian students abroad receive quality education and an opportunity to develop their cultural identity. They will continue to support Bulgarian schools around the world, work to preserve the Bulgarian language and traditions, and facilitate dialogue between all participants in the educational process abroad. ABUCh emphasizes that their position is guided solely by concern for the students, teachers and the stability of Bulgarian education abroad.
Reactions from the Affected Parties
The cessation of state funding for the two Bulgarian schools provoked reactions both abroad and in Bulgaria. The executive director of "Malkoto Balgarsko Uchilishte v Chicago", Georgi Petrov, informed BTA that the school had sent an open letter to the Bulgarian institutions, stating that the withdrawn state subsidy would significantly limit the educational process and access to quality education in Bulgarian. The organization claims to have the strong support of parents, public organizations and members of the Bulgarian community, and a petition has already collected 690 signatures.
On December 1, Bulgarian organizations from the Midwest of the USA published a position on the matter: "In recent years, we have witnessed public actions and campaigns that involve the Bulgarian community in Chicago in artificially created tensions, including accusations and attacks directed at the Bulgarian Consulate General in Chicago and its leadership. These actions deepen the division in our community and undermine trust in Bulgarian institutions.”
On December 2, the Association of Bulgarian Folk Ensembles Abroad expressed support for "Malkoto Balgarsko Uchilishte v Chicago". They emphasized that the school has been educating children from the community for more than 15 years, preserving the Bulgarian language, culture, traditions and values. The association called for support for the petition and for transparency and fairness from the Ministry of Education. They remind that Bulgarian schools abroad are a national treasure and must be protected.
Position of the Ministry of Education
On December 3, the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev commented on the case: "When we talk about The Little Bulgarian School in Chicago, we are not talking about abuse of funds; it is one of the largest Sunday schools. We are talking about hindering control. This is the main reason why the consul conducted an inspection at the school, specifically at the attached Little Children's Academy, and found discrepancies. The school has its explanations. Afterwards, the school and certain law firms took action.” He added that the school is working very well, but the condition for the restoration of the state subsidy is for the Consul General to be able to exercise control over it. The minister is committed to being a mediator, along with several other people, to resolve the case.
What will be the future of these Bulgarian schools in Chicago, and will a solution be found that will satisfy all parties?