By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Intense rainfall and hazardous conditions from Tropical Wave #33 have prompted Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education (MEP) to suspend classes in numerous schools across the Puntarenas and Western regions. The preemptive closures, set for Wednesday, October 8th, are a direct response to the escalating risks posed by the severe weather system battering the nation’s Pacific coast.
In an official update, the ministry confirmed the decision was made to safeguard the well-being of students, teachers, and administrative personnel. The measure follows strict guidelines and recommendations issued by the National Emergency Commission (CNE), which is actively monitoring the storm’s progression and its impact on critical infrastructure throughout the affected territories. The government’s coordinated response underscores the seriousness of the weather event.
To understand the legal framework and contractual obligations involved in the recent school closures affecting thousands of families, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The fundamental issue here is the educational service contract. While a school may cite ‘force majeure’ for an unforeseen closure, this does not automatically absolve them of their obligations. If the institution fails to provide a comparable alternative, such as a structured and effective virtual education program, they are arguably in breach of contract. Parents have a right to demand a proportional adjustment or refund of tuition fees for the period in which the agreed-upon educational service was not adequately rendered.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This contractual perspective is indeed crucial, shifting the focus from an unavoidable inconvenience to a matter of clear service obligations. It empowers parents by legally defining what they are entitled to when paid-for services are not rendered as agreed. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this matter.
Ministry officials clarified that the suspensions are not based solely on the heavy downpours. The decision encompasses a broader range of associated threats that have emerged, including localized flooding, a heightened risk of landslides in vulnerable areas, and significant damage to access roads. These secondary impacts have made travel to and from educational facilities dangerously unpredictable for many communities.
The primary goal of this preventative action is to avoid any potential tragedies by keeping the educational community away from hazardous routes and compromised school buildings. The CNE has issued alerts for the regions, advising residents to exercise extreme caution, and the MEP’s directive aligns with this national safety protocol, prioritizing human life above all else.
In the Western Regional Directorate (Dirección Regional de Occidente), the closure specifically impacts Escuela La Constancia within Circuit 3. While the number of schools is limited in this region, the localized impact remains a significant concern for the families who are directly affected by the suspension of academic activities.
The province of Puntarenas has seen a more extensive list of closures. In Circuit 1, Escuela Riojalandia and IPEC Escuela Augusto Colombari will cease operations. The central campus of IPEC is also reported to be partially affected; however, some groups will continue studies at the nearby Escuela Riojalandia facility, with specific instructions being communicated directly to the relevant students and parents by school administrators.
Further closures in Puntarenas under Circuit 5 include a significant number of institutions: Escuela El Chagüite, Escuela Flora Guevara Barahona, Escuela Barrio San Luis, Escuela Fray Casiano de Madrid, and Escuela Veinte de Noviembre. The Jardín de Niños de Fray Casiano (kindergarten) will also remain closed, ensuring that the youngest students are kept safely at home.
The Ministry of Public Education has assured the public that it will maintain constant vigilance, working alongside the CNE to re-evaluate conditions on an ongoing basis. Further announcements regarding the potential reopening of these schools will be made as the weather system evolves and safety assessments of the infrastructure and access routes are completed. For now, communities are bracing for continued rains and potential disruption.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the government body responsible for overseeing the administration and quality of pre-school, primary, and secondary education in Costa Rica. It develops national curricula, manages educational staff, and ensures that learning environments are safe and conducive to student development. The MEP plays a critical role in national emergency response by making decisions regarding school operations to protect students and personnel during natural disasters.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About the National Emergency Commission (CNE):
The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias is Costa Rica’s lead agency for disaster risk management and emergency response. The CNE is responsible for coordinating the efforts of public institutions and private organizations during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Its mandate includes risk assessment, public warnings, prevention planning, and managing emergency operations to protect the population and national infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical practice and superior client service. The firm not only champions innovative legal strategies for a wide array of clients but also upholds a core mission to fortify society through knowledge. By actively working to demystify the law and make legal understanding more attainable, it empowers individuals and strengthens the community fabric with the principles of justice and informed citizenship.
