The Valencian Teaching Cooperatives Union (UCEV) has unanimously re-elected Miquel Ruiz as president for the 2026-2030 term. The candidacy led by Ruiz, the only one presented, incorporates new faces but maintains representation from all cooperatives of the previous team.
The new Governing Council consists of Miquel Ruiz Collados (Mestres de la Creu Coop. V. - Mislata) as President; José Luis Peiró (Florida Centre de Formació Coop V - Catarroja) as Vice-president; Anna Chaler (Escola La Masía Coop V - Museros) as Secretary; and as members: Ramón Rodríguez Magán (Grupo Sorolla Coop V - València), Paula Benlliure Fabregat (Juan Comenius Coop V - València), and Vicent Gallart (El Drac Coop V - Torrent). Alternates include Immaculada López Primo (La Nostra Escola Comarcal Coop V - Picassent) and Carla Fernández (Escola Les Carolines Coop V - Picassent).
During its term, the Governing Council highlighted its response to the consequences of the dana (heavy storm) on the educational system and cooperative centers. Ruiz positively assessed the "intense dialogue work" to recognize the unique nature of Valencian teaching cooperativism.
The president explained that the identity of cooperative centers is based on "a unique way of understanding education based on the values and principles of cooperativism," understood as a "public service."
For the new phase, Ruiz points to challenges such as the "sustainability of the model," "generational succession," "resource availability," "visibility and institutional recognition," and adaptation to "new social and technological contexts." He emphasized that "the cooperative is the Social Economy of the educational space" and that reinforcing this position with Administrations will continue to guide their actions.
The priorities for the new term will be based on the strategic reflection captured in a document presented at the assembly. UCEV aligns with the widespread mobilization in Valencian education, supporting demands such as improving teacher conditions and the role of Valencian as a "cohesion factor."
Regarding demands, Ruiz mentioned the "dignification of early childhood education (0-3 years)," which involves improving working conditions, introducing an inclusive vision, and ensuring the sustainability of projects through adequate funding.
Concerning concertada (state-subsidized private) education, UCEV calls for improved staffing and specialized personnel, as well as addressing the "underfunding" recognized by the LOMLOE. Furthermore, it requests a specific financing scheme for teaching cooperatives in the negotiation of delegated payment.
UCEV comprises 83 cooperative schools with over 25,000 students, mostly state-subsidized centers that operate with a strong public service ethos, responding to the social and educational needs of their neighborhoods.
