Gallarate: Foundation for Nursery Schools, council clash

Context

In brief

• Foundation for Nursery Schools at the center of political debate in Gallarate
• Resignation of President Marco Castoldi
• Controversy over the minutes of January 15

Key facts

• What: Clash in the municipal council regarding the Foundation for Nursery Schools
• When: Monday evening, April 2026
• Where: Gallarate, Italy
• Who: Councilor Massimo Gnocchi, Mayor Andrea Cassani
• Amount: 7,500,000 euros of annual support over the last ten years

Monday evening, the municipal council of Gallarate experienced a particularly lively phase during the “Question Time”, with a heated exchange between the opposition and the majority regarding the request for answers from Massimo Gnocchi, councilor of the civic list Obiettivo Comune Gallarate. The central theme of the debate is – once again – the Foundation for Nursery Schools and the issue of the non-admission of the urgent interrogation presented by Gnocchi.

Gnocchi opened the debate expressing his displeasure for the 'non-admission' of the interrogation in the question time decided by the presidency office. According to the councilor, the decision to exclude his immediate response interrogation was unjustified and inappropriate, especially considering that the Foundation for Nursery Schools carries out an activity of great relevance for the community. Gnocchi argued that the Foundation, defined in 2004 as the 'Foundation of the Municipality of Gallarate', although of a private nature, is of public interest, with 'bodies appointed directly by the mayor and an annual support that has reached 7,500,000 euros in the last ten years'.

The resignation of the president

Gnocchi urged an urgent update on the situation, following the sudden resignation of President Marco Castoldi, made public last Thursday afternoon by Varesenews and then officially announced during the evening session of the municipal council. Precisely following this change, according to Gnocchi, justified the urgent update. 'I wonder how long families will have to wait for certain answers'.

The case of the minutes

The current situation of the Foundation is discussed, but in truth Gnocchi brought up mainly the case of the minutes of January 15, the one then 'corrected' and on which the clash with the mayor opened, who considers the document in some way defamatory and does not want it to be disseminated. Following this, Giovanni Pignataro of the Democratic Party also pressed the majority, stating that a transparent response to the question time would perhaps have avoided unnecessary polemics. 'Why not answer?' he asked, 'What is so secret that it cannot be revealed?'

Pignataro recalled that various errors have accumulated around the Foundation, which this year have exploded with the case of Primavera, a situation that has caused discomfort to the families involved (the latest chapter: the loss of a teacher at the Ronchi headquarters). Apart from the minutes, the Democratic councilor therefore insisted on an update: 'Who will write this relaunch plan for the Foundation? Where are we at? Will we be able to have it by June?'

The mayor's response

Mayor Andrea Cassani responded in a rather heated manner, pointing out that Gnocchi's questions should have been presented earlier, as provided by the regulations. 'The Question Time does not contain any prohibitive questions or questions whose answers are not already known' said the mayor, showing confidence on the subject. The mayor also specified that the issue of the minutes 'concerns a draft not signed by all members of the board of directors, as the writing did not correspond to the truth', he reiterated. This is the line of the administration since the day after the publication of part of the document in the press, whereas Gnocchi from the opposition benches maintains that the document was perfectly valid (to the point that it produced effects, specifically the increases in fees communicated to families a few days later) and that what was written must be complied with.

Operational details

Implications for Families

The political clash over the Gallarate Nursery Schools Foundation has significant implications for families using the entity's services. The Foundation manages four nursery schools and kindergartens, and any instability or lack of transparency can affect the quality of services provided and the trust of families.

The Current Situation

The current situation of the Foundation is complex, with the resignation of President Marco Castoldi adding further uncertainty. Families find themselves having to face a transitional period, with the need for clear and timely answers. Gnocchi's request for an urgent update is therefore understandable, especially in light of the disruptions already caused by the Foundation's management.

The Case of Primavera

One of the critical points is the case of Primavera, which has caused significant disruptions to the families involved. The loss of a teacher at the Ronchi location is just the latest chapter in a series of problems that have put families in difficulty. The lack of a clear relaunch plan and the lack of transparency in the Foundation's management have contributed to creating a climate of uncertainty and mistrust.

Requests for Transparency

The requests for transparency from the opposition are fundamental to ensuring that the Foundation can operate efficiently and transparently. The case of the minutes of January 15 is an example of how a lack of transparency can fuel polemics and mistrust. It is important that the Foundation can provide clear and timely answers to families and the community to ensure that the services offered are of quality and meet the needs of families.

The Role of the Mayor

Mayor Andrea Cassani has reiterated the administration's line, stating that Gnocchi's questions should have been presented earlier, as provided by the regulations. However, the lack of transparency and the management of the minutes' case have raised doubts about the administration's ability to handle the situation effectively. It is fundamental that the mayor and the administration can provide clear and timely answers to ensure that the Foundation can operate efficiently and transparently.

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Key points

What to do for families

Families using the services of the Fondazione Scuole Materne di Gallarate must be informed and updated on the current situation. It is important that they can access clear and timely information to make informed decisions regarding their children's attendance.

Procedure to request information

Families can directly contact the Fondazione Scuole Materne di Gallarate to request information about the current situation and the services offered. It is possible to visit the Foundation's website or contact the administrative office to obtain detailed information.

Recovery plan

It is essential that the Foundation can present a clear and detailed recovery plan that can guarantee the quality of the services offered and the satisfaction of the families. Families must be involved in the planning and implementation process of the recovery plan to ensure that their needs and expectations are taken into consideration.

Involvement of families

Families must be actively involved in the management of the Foundation, through participation in meetings and assemblies. It is important that they can express their opinions and suggestions to contribute to improving the quality of the services offered.

Use of the site's tools

For further information and to stay updated on the situation of the Fondazione Scuole Materne di Gallarate, you can use the school fee calculator available on the site. This tool can help families calculate school fees and plan expenses effectively.

Conclusion

The situation of the Fondazione Scuole Materne di Gallarate is complex and requires concrete commitment from all parties involved. It is essential that families can access clear and timely information and that they can be actively involved in the management of the Foundation. Only through joint commitment and transparent management will it be possible to guarantee the quality of the services offered and the satisfaction of the families.

Source: varesenews.it