Kozma, G., Dézsi, Gy., & Teperics, K. (2014). Development of spatial distribution of elementary and secondary schools in Debrecen between 1993 and 2003. Modern Geográfia, 9(4), 93–105.
The present paper studies the spatial distribution of elementary and secondary schools in a particular Hungarian settlement, Debrecen, the second largest city of country. In the course of the analysis factors influencing spatial distribution and the differences among certain historical periods are discussed. In the period before World War II location of elementary and secondary schools was influenced primarily by religion. Although the local government made efforts to achieve a certain degree of decentralization, its activity was successful only in the case of elementary schools and a significant spatial concentration was characteristic in the case of secondary education. Following World War II the increase of the number of inhabitants outside the city centre and especially the construction of new housing estates resulted regarding elementary schools in a significant decentralization. Urban plans prepared after World War II also regarded spatial decentralisation important in the case of the secondary schools, however, this was realized only in the case of vocational secondary schools and vocational schools while considering spatial distribution professional connections had an important role. In the period after 1990 the appearance of new institute (churches, foundations) maintainers can be regarded as a factor determining the spatial structure of institutes. This also resulted in decentralization either directly (establishment of completely new institutes) or indirectly (replacement of the schools given back to the Church) and this process was greatest in the case of the vocational secondary and vocational schools.
Keywords: geographical location, Debrecen, elementary schools, secondary schools