Public policies for school network planning in Portugal: changes in municipal responsibilities and choices

Abstract The presentation of the Education charter in 2003 Portugal as an instrument for future planning school network represented beginning a different phase public policies, seen necessary step towards modernization primary network. More than decade later, at start new cycle second reorganization public-school began, with revision charters. This paper aims to carry out comparative analysis these two periods, based on qualitative research conducted 34 municipalities Central Portugal, featuring realities, identify main differences and similarities determine influence territorial human factors solutions adopted. It seems possible conclude that municipal actions have emerged prioritize aimed local specificities, contrast previous approach, focused compliance central government stipulations.