SCICLI, Italy – Concerns are growing over the state of the Don Milani school in Scicli, Sicily, as a closed gymnasium and widespread disrepair threaten the educational experience for local students. The situation has prompted intervention from the local Partito Democratico (PD), highlighting a pattern of neglect that parents and school officials say has left the facility in a state of disrepair.
The school’s gymnasium has been closed since last September, leaving students without a dedicated space for physical education throughout the academic year. According to a statement released by the PD of Scicli on April 1, 2026, the administration has finally acknowledged the issues of “degradation, damaged flooring, safety concerns, and services needing repair.” However, the PD criticized the response as insufficient, noting a lack of concrete timelines or solutions, with officials instead citing the need to secure funding.
“We are already in April, and the risk is concrete: without immediate decisions, even the next school year could be compromised,” the PD statement read. “We are talking about a fundamental space for the growth and well-being of young people, not a secondary function.” The party pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for families, students, and school staff.
The problems extend beyond the gymnasium. Parents have repeatedly raised concerns during school council meetings about the overall condition of the Don Milani school, describing it as being treated as a “school of lower standing” and feeling “forgotten.” Specifically, the collapse of grondaie (gutters) at the Quasimodo annex two years ago poses a safety hazard, with debris remaining in the courtyard frequented by younger students. The potential for water infiltration also raises concerns about structural damage.
Adding to the issues, the streets surrounding the school are reportedly in poor condition, with potholes making access tough. Sidewalks are also overgrown with weeds, indicating a lack of regular maintenance. These conditions create challenges for students and families arriving and departing the school.
Parents who have voiced their concerns to school council representatives report encountering a “bureaucratic wall,” with many reports going unanswered. Whereas assurances are often given during council meetings, tangible improvements have yet to materialize. This lack of progress has fueled frustration among families who feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
The situation at the Don Milani school underscores broader challenges facing educational infrastructure in the region. While the immediate focus is on securing funding and implementing repairs, the PD’s statement suggests a need for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources to ensure that all schools receive adequate support. The long-term impact of these conditions on student learning and well-being remains a significant concern.
The PD is calling for clear timelines for the necessary repairs, transparency regarding funding sources, and immediate solutions to provide students with adequate learning spaces. The party’s continued vigilance will be crucial in ensuring that the voices of families, students, and school personnel are heard as the situation unfolds.
As of today, April 1, 2026, there is no confirmed timeline for the reopening of the gymnasium or the completion of the necessary repairs. The next scheduled school council meeting is expected to address these issues further, providing an opportunity for parents and officials to discuss potential solutions. Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they develop into available.
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