{
"id": "nexus-sen-1-0007-1386382",
"citation": "Res. 15528-2026 Sala Constitucional",
"section": "nexus_decisions",
"doc_type": "constitutional_decision",
"title_es": "Amparo por infraestructura deficiente en escuela indígena cabécar de Talamanca",
"title_en": "Amparo for Deficient Infrastructure at Cabécar Indigenous School in Talamanca",
"summary_es": "La Sala Constitucional declaró con lugar un recurso de amparo interpuesto por el Presidente de la Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Reserva Indígena Cabécar de Talamanca contra el Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP). La Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar, presenta condiciones gravemente deterioradas: aulas construidas de forma empírica, rancho improvisado que se inunda con la lluvia, deficiencias sanitarias, falta de agua potable adecuada e incumplimientos de la Ley 7600. Pese a que el MEP reconoció la necesidad de construir un nuevo centro educativo desde antes del 2020, al momento del fallo apenas se habían completado estudios técnicos de diseño y presupuesto sin haber iniciado la construcción. La Sala, aplicando su jurisprudencia reiterada sobre el deber constitucional del MEP de garantizar condiciones mínimas de infraestructura según el artículo 78 de la Constitución Política, ordenó que las nuevas instalaciones sean construidas en un plazo máximo de veinticuatro meses contado desde la notificación de la sentencia.",
"summary_en": "The Constitutional Court granted a writ of amparo filed by the President of the Integral Development Association of the Cabécar Indigenous Reserve of Talamanca against the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). El Progreso School (code 6560), in Cabécar indigenous territory, has severely deteriorated infrastructure: empirically built classrooms, a makeshift thatch room that floods during rain, sanitary deficiencies, inadequate water supply, and violations of Disability Access Law 7600. Despite the MEP's own recognition since before 2020 that a completely new building was necessary, only design studies and a budget estimate had been completed by the time of the ruling—no construction had begun. Applying its consistent case law that the MEP has a constitutional duty under Article 78 to provide minimum infrastructure conditions, the Court ordered the new facilities to be built within twenty-four months of notification of the judgment.",
"court_or_agency": "Sala Constitucional",
"date": "30/04/2026",
"year": "2026",
"topic_ids": [],
"primary_topic_id": null,
"es_concept_hints": [
"recurso de amparo",
"inercia administrativa",
"territorio indígena cabécar",
"Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa (DIE)",
"derecho fundamental a la educación",
"grupos vulnerables",
"omisión administrativa",
"artículo 78 constitucional"
],
"article_citations": [],
"keywords_es": [
"amparo",
"infraestructura educativa",
"territorio indígena",
"cabécar",
"Talamanca",
"MEP",
"Sala Constitucional",
"derecho a la educación",
"inercia administrativa",
"grupos vulnerables",
"omisión administrativa",
"Escuela El Progreso",
"Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa",
"artículo 78 constitucional",
"plazo veinticuatro meses"
],
"keywords_en": [
"amparo",
"educational infrastructure",
"indigenous territory",
"Cabécar",
"Talamanca",
"MEP",
"Constitutional Court",
"right to education",
"administrative inertia",
"vulnerable groups",
"administrative omission",
"El Progreso School",
"Educational Infrastructure Directorate",
"Article 78 Constitution",
"24-month deadline"
],
"excerpt_es": "La Sala Constitucional ha dicho, reiteradamente, que es deber de las autoridades del MEP brindar —tanto a educadores, como a educandos— las condiciones mínimas de infraestructura —inmuebles, mobiliario, material didáctico, etc.— para garantizar la tutela del derecho fundamental a la educación pública, en los términos establecidos en el artículo 78, de la Constitución Política, que implica la prestación de un servicio público gratuito y costeado por la Nación.\n\nDe lo expuesto se concluye con claridad que la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa comprobó las deficiencias del centro educativo de manera que es necesaria la construcción de nuevas instalaciones. Sin embargo, aún no se ha construido. Conforme a las razones expuestas y reiteradas por esta Sala, el amparo debe declarare con lugar.\n\nSe declara con lugar el recurso. En consecuencia, se les ordena a José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Ministro, y a Allan Ramírez Solano, Director de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, ambos del Ministerio de Educación Pública, o a quienes ocupen esos cargos que realicen las gestiones necesarias para que, en el plazo de veinticuatro meses, contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia, se construyan las instalaciones requeridas por la Escuela El Progreso ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca.",
"excerpt_en": "The Constitutional Court has said, repeatedly, that it is the duty of MEP authorities to provide—both to educators and students—the minimum conditions of infrastructure—buildings, furniture, teaching materials, etc.—to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms of Article 78 of the Political Constitution, which implies the provision of a free public service funded by the Nation.\n\nFrom the above it is clearly concluded that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure verified the deficiencies of the educational center such that construction of new facilities is necessary. However, they have not yet been built. In accordance with the reasons set forth and reiterated by this Court, the amparo must be declared granted.\n\nThe writ is declared granted. Consequently, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, both of the Ministry of Public Education, or whoever occupies those positions, are ordered to take the necessary steps so that, within twenty-four months counted from notification of this judgment, the facilities required by El Progreso School located in Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca are built.",
"outcome": {
"label_en": "Granted",
"label_es": "Con lugar",
"summary_en": "The Court granted the amparo and ordered the MEP Minister and Director of Educational Infrastructure to complete construction of new facilities at El Progreso School in Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca within twenty-four months of notification.",
"summary_es": "La Sala declaró con lugar el amparo y ordenó al Ministro y al Director de Infraestructura Educativa del MEP construir las nuevas instalaciones de la Escuela El Progreso en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca en un plazo máximo de veinticuatro meses."
},
"pull_quotes": [
{
"context": "Considerando III (citando Voto 2021009707)",
"quote_en": "Were it not for the action of this Court, there would be no administrative impetus whatsoever to guarantee the right to education, and the protection of the integrity and health, of the teaching staff and students of the protected educational center.",
"quote_es": "Si no es por la acción de este Tribunal, no existiría impulso administrativo alguno para garantizar el derecho a la educación, y la protección de la integridad, y salud, del cuerpo docente y estudiantil del centro educativo amparado."
},
{
"context": "Considerando V — Nota del Magistrado Salazar Alvarado",
"quote_en": "when the administrative omission gives rise to a violation of other fundamental rights protected under this constitutional jurisdiction, or when vulnerable groups are affected, I do proceed to hear the merits of the matter, as this situation constitutes an exception to my general position on the subject",
"quote_es": "cuando de aquella conducta administrativa omisiva se derive alguna violación a otros derechos fundamentales tutelados en esta jurisdicción constitucional, o se afecten grupos considerados vulnerables, sí entro a conocer el fondo del asunto, por constituir esta situación una excepción a mi posición en esta materia"
},
{
"context": "Por tanto",
"quote_en": "Notice is given that pursuant to Article 71 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Law, imprisonment of three months to two years, or twenty to sixty days' fine, shall be imposed on anyone who receives an order—which must be complied with or enforced—issued in an amparo proceeding, and fails to comply with or enforce it, provided the offense is not more severely penalized elsewhere.",
"quote_es": "Se advierte que de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 71 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, se impondrá prisión de tres meses a dos años, o de veinte a sesenta días multa, a quien recibiere una orden que deba cumplir o hacer cumplir, dictada en un recurso de amparo y no la cumpliere o no la hiciere cumplir, siempre que el delito no esté más gravemente penado."
},
{
"context": "Considerando III (citando Voto 2022018599)",
"quote_en": "even though it is evident that the Ministry of Education has been aware of the infrastructure improvement needs of the school since before this amparo was filed, the respondent authorities have been permissive of this situation and tardy in providing a solution.",
"quote_es": "aun cuando resulta evidente que el Ministerio de Educación ha tenido conocimiento de las necesidades en cuanto a las mejoras de infraestructura que requiere la Escuela de San Isidro desde antes de la interposición de este amparo, las autoridades recurridas han sido permisivas con esta situación y tardías en darle una solución."
}
],
"cites": [
{
"id": "norm-23261",
"citation": "Ley 7600",
"title_en": "Law of Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities",
"title_es": "Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad",
"doc_type": "law",
"date": "02/05/1996",
"year": "1996"
}
],
"cited_by": [],
"references": {
"internal": [
{
"target_id": "norm-23261",
"kind": "concept_anchor",
"label": "Ley 7600"
}
],
"external": []
},
"source_url": "https://nexuspj.poder-judicial.go.cr/document/sen-1-0007-1386382",
"tier": 2,
"is_environmental": false,
"_editorial_citation_count": 0,
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"amendments_by_article": null,
"dictamen_by_article": null,
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"amendment_count": 0,
"body_es_text": "Revisión del Documento\n\n\n\nExp: 26-011488-0007-CO\n\nRes. Nº 2026015528\n\n \n\nSALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas veinte minutos del treinta de abril de dos mil veintiseis .\n\n Recurso de amparo interpuesto por [Nombre 001], cédula de identidad número [Valor 001], Presidente de la Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Reserva Indígena Cabécar de Talamanca, cédula jurídica [Valor 002], contra el Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP).\n\nRESULTANDO:\n\n 1.- Por escrito agregado a este expediente el 1° de abril del 2026, el recurrente alegó, en resumen, que la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, está ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca. Indica que a ese centro educativo acuden a estudiar niños indígenas cabécares de la comunidad El Progreso de Talamanca. Señala que la infraestructura de esa escuela está en tan malas condiciones que el propio Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) decidió, desde mucho antes del 2020, construir una nueva edificación. Afirma que, el 23 de marzo de 2024, funcionarios del Ministerio de Salud realizaron una inspección en la que constataron que: 1. LEY 7600: No se cuenta con facilidades de acceso. 2. ORINALES: La disponibilidad de agua no es correcta. 3. RANCHO: Se imparten lecciones en un rancho porque no hay otra aula donde se puedan impartir; cuando llueve, se mete el agua y tiene comején. 4. AULA: Está construida de forma empírica, sobre postes a unos 50 centímetros de altura. 5. EN LA COCINA: Falta cerámica en el piso de la cocina y campana extractora; no hay cocina, ya que se cuenta con una plantilla de gas; no se da tratamiento a las aguas residuales del lavamanos; no hay plan documentado de control de plagas; falta chimenea en el fogón (entre otros). Manifiesta que, nada de lo expuesto se ha corregido y, por el contrario, dos años después, la edificación está en peor estado. Afirma que el 18 de marzo de 2026, la directora de la escuela recurrido le consultó al MEP sobre el avance del proyecto y la respuesta fue: \"El estado actual es el siguiente: o Diseños finales aprobados por DIE. o Presupuesto detallado, entregado a revisión de DIE. o Trámites y visados de planos en el Colegio de Ingenieros, por iniciar una vez se apruebe por DIE el presupuesto detallado\". Acusa que, suponiendo que eso sea cierto, lo único que se ha hecho en -al menos- 6 años son los diseños (que no son los planos) y el detalle del presupuesto (que ni siquiera ha sido revisado). Por los motivos expuestos, solicita la intervención de la Sala en el presente asunto.\n\n 2.- Por resolución de las nueve horas veintidós minutos del catorce de abril de dos mil veintiséis se le dio curso al proceso.\n\n 3.- Por escrito agregado a este expediente el 22 de abril del 2026, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Ministro, y Allan Ramírez Solano, Director de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, ambos del Ministerio de Educación Pública, rindieron el informe. Indicaron lo siguiente:\n\n“Sobre los hechos alegados por la parte recurrente, se procede a informar lo siguiente: UNICO: Por medio del informe DVM-A-DIE-DDO-0117-2026, suscrito por la Arq. Lesny Vargas Vargas. y el Arq. Geovanny Rodríguez Santamaría, funcionarios del Departamento de Desarrollo de Obra de esta Dirección, mediante el cual detalla la situación actual del caso de interés:\n\n…Es importante indicar que el caso corresponde a un proyecto, mediante el cual se pretende atender los incumplimientos verificados por funcionarios de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, entre los que se destacan problemas de accesibilidad conforme a la Ley 7600, deficiencias en las baterías sanitarias y un deterioro generalizado de las instalaciones. Debido a lo anterior, se determina la necesidad de desarrollar un proyecto para la construcción completa de nuevas instalaciones del centro educativo.\n\nAdicionalmente, se señala que desde el año 2021 se contrató a la empresa Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. para la elaboración de los insumos técnicos correspondientes a la etapa de diseño, tales como: estudios básicos de levantamiento topográfico, estudios geotécnicos, informe diagnóstico, informes de pruebas bacteriológicas, informe de tala de árboles y la realización de un taller participativo con padres de familia y usuarios del centro educativo, actividad llevada a cabo el 08 de febrero de 2022. Esta primera etapa cuenta con recibido conforme por parte de los profesionales revisores de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, de fecha 22 de junio de 2022.\n\nPosteriormente, se inicia la fase de anteproyecto, en la cual se materializan las ideas y necesidades reales del centro educativo derivadas de los estudios previos y del taller participativo. En esta etapa se definen las edificaciones que conformarán el nuevo centro educativo, las cuales se detallan a continuación:\n\n• Obras tipo: espera de padres (31 m²), dos aulas académicas (72 m² cada una), un aula académica para idioma y cómputo (72 m²), un aula de preescolar (84 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 5 (30 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 6 (16 m²), extensión de administración (72 m²), cocina de leña (24 m²) y comedor tipo (72 m²). • Obras no tipo: un rancho cultural, una plaza cívica, 283 m² de pasos techados, un asta de bandera y un tanque elevado de agua potable. • Obras complementarias: aceras, calle de asfalto, mejoras en parqueo existente, zonas verdes, sistema electromecánico completo y sistema de emergencias.\n\nLa segunda etapa fue recibida a satisfacción por los profesionales de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, de fecha 09 de marzo de 2023. Posteriormente, se gestionó la continuidad de la tercera etapa que corresponde a la elaboración de planos constructivos y especificaciones técnicas, esta 3°etapa ya se encuentra concluida y fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio de aprobación DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, de fecha 10 de diciembre de 2024. Asimismo, se tramitó la continuidad correspondiente de la cuarta etapa que corresponde al presupuesto detallado y la programación de las obras, con el fin de establecer el costo final del proyecto. Esta 4° etapa fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, de fecha 08 de diciembre de 2025. El monto total estimado para la ejecución de la obra asciende a ₡468.957.254,74.\n\nActualmente, el proceso se encuentra en la etapa de preparación de los insumos necesarios para la inscripción del proyecto en el Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN, con el objetivo de generar el código correspondiente y continuar con los trámites finales ante las instituciones competentes, tales como el Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, el Ministerio de Salud y el Departamento de Ingeniería del Cuerpo de Bomberos. Es importante aclarar que toda obra de inversión pública relacionada con infraestructura requiere del tiempo prudencial ineludible para definirse, formularse, financiarse además del periodo que comprende la(s) etapa(s) de contratación administrativa, cuyos plazos están definidos por Ley. Por último, su ejecución está sujeta y condicionada a la disponibilidad presupuestaria que definen las autoridades superiores en conjunto con los traslados de recursos que provienen desde el Ministerio de Hacienda. Adicionalmente se adjunta el cronograma del proyecto de acuerdo con el ciclo de vida del proyecto.\n\n[…]\n\nCon base en los expuesto y criterio a juicio experto, se puede estimar que, para la atención del caso de interés, se requiere de un plazo adicional de al menos, 68 semanas, es decir 476 días naturales, el cual se estima finalizar aproximadamente en setiembre del año 2027. Por lo que se considera de suma importancia que la Sala valore y dimensione adecuadamente los plazos indicados en los cronogramas presentados. Finalmente, se destaca que los esfuerzos institucionales se orientan a atender a la comunidad estudiantil en el menor tiempo posible, garantizando a su vez la continuidad de los servicios educativos brindados a los niños de la comunidad… Por lo expuesto, y con fundamento en las consideraciones desarrolladas en el presente informe, se solicita respetuosamente a tan Honorable Sala Constitucional declarar sin lugar el recurso de amparo interpuesto”.\n\n \n\n Redacta el Magistrado Cruz Castro; y,\n\nConsiderando:\n\n I.- OBJETO. El recurrente alegó que la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, está ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca. Indica que a ese centro educativo acuden a estudiar niños indígenas cabécares de la comunidad El Progreso de Talamanca. Señala que la infraestructura de esa escuela está en tan malas condiciones que el propio Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) decidió, desde mucho antes del 2020, construir una nueva edificación. Afirma que, el 23 de marzo de 2024, funcionarios del Ministerio de Salud realizaron una inspección en la que constataron que: 1. LEY 7600: No se cuenta con facilidades de acceso. 2. ORINALES: La disponibilidad de agua no es correcta. 3. RANCHO: Se imparten lecciones en un rancho porque no hay otra aula donde se puedan impartir; cuando llueve, se mete el agua y tiene comején. 4. AULA: Está construida de forma empírica, sobre postes a unos 50 centímetros de altura. 5. EN LA COCINA: Falta cerámica en el piso de la cocina y campana extractora; no hay cocina, ya que se cuenta con una plantilla de gas; no se da tratamiento a las aguas residuales del lavamanos; no hay plan documentado de control de plagas; falta chimenea en el fogón (entre otros). Manifiesta que, nada de lo expuesto se ha corregido y, por el contrario, dos años después, la edificación está en peor estado. Afirma que el 18 de marzo de 2026, la directora de la escuela recurrido le consultó al MEP sobre el avance del proyecto y la respuesta fue: \"El estado actual es el siguiente: o Diseños finales aprobados por DIE. o Presupuesto detallado, entregado a revisión de DIE. o Trámites y visados de planos en el Colegio de Ingenieros, por iniciar una vez se apruebe por DIE el presupuesto detallado\". Acusa que, suponiendo que eso sea cierto, lo único que se ha hecho en -al menos- 6 años son los diseños (que no son los planos) y el detalle del presupuesto (que ni siquiera ha sido revisado). Por los motivos expuestos, solicita la intervención de la Sala en el presente asunto.\n\n II.- HECHOS PROBADOS. De importancia para la decisión de este asunto, se estiman como debidamente demostrados los siguientes hechos:\n\n1) El Ministerio de Educación Pública mantiene activo un proyecto mediante el cual se pretende atender los incumplimientos verificados por funcionarios de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa en la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, que está ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca, entre los que se destacan problemas de accesibilidad conforme a la Ley 7600, deficiencias en las baterías sanitarias y un deterioro generalizado de las instalaciones (informe rendido).\n\n2) Debido a lo anterior, el MEP determinó la necesidad de desarrollar un proyecto para la construcción completa de nuevas instalaciones del centro educativo (informe rendido).\n\n3) Desde el año 2021 se contrató a la empresa Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. para la elaboración de los insumos técnicos correspondientes a la etapa de diseño, tales como: estudios básicos de levantamiento topográfico, estudios geotécnicos, informe diagnóstico, informes de pruebas bacteriológicas, informe de tala de árboles y la realización de un taller participativo con padres de familia y usuarios del centro educativo, actividad llevada a cabo el 08 de febrero de 2022 (informe rendido).\n\n4) Esta primera etapa cuenta con recibido conforme por parte de los profesionales revisores de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, de fecha 22 de junio de 2022 (informe rendido).\n\n5) Posteriormente, se inicia la fase de anteproyecto, en la cual se materializan las ideas y necesidades reales del centro educativo derivadas de los estudios previos y del taller participativo. En esta etapa se definen las edificaciones que conformarán el nuevo centro educativo, las cuales se detallan a continuación:\n\n“• Obras tipo: espera de padres (31 m²), dos aulas académicas (72 m² cada una), un aula académica para idioma y cómputo (72 m²), un aula de preescolar (84 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 5 (30 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 6 (16 m²), extensión de administración (72 m²), cocina de leña (24 m²) y comedor tipo (72 m²).\n\n• Obras no tipo: un rancho cultural, una plaza cívica, 283 m² de pasos techados, un asta de bandera y un tanque elevado de agua potable.\n\n• Obras complementarias: aceras, calle de asfalto, mejoras en parqueo existente, zonas verdes, sistema electromecánico completo y sistema de emergencias” (informe rendido).\n\n6) La segunda etapa fue recibida a satisfacción por los profesionales de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, de fecha 09 de marzo de 2023 (informe rendido).\n\n7) Posteriormente, se gestionó la continuidad de la tercera etapa que corresponde a la elaboración de planos constructivos y especificaciones técnicas, esta 3°etapa ya se encuentra concluida y fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio de aprobación DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, de fecha 10 de diciembre de 2024 (informe rendido).\n\n8) Se tramitó la continuidad correspondiente de la cuarta etapa que corresponde al presupuesto detallado y la programación de las obras, con el fin de establecer el costo final del proyecto. Esta 4° etapa fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, de fecha 08 de diciembre de 2025. El monto total estimado para la ejecución de la obra asciende a ₡468.957.254,74 (informe rendido).\n\n9) Actualmente, el proceso se encuentra en la etapa de preparación de los insumos necesarios para la inscripción del proyecto en el Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN, con el objetivo de generar el código correspondiente y continuar con los trámites finales ante las instituciones competentes, tales como el Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, el Ministerio de Salud y el Departamento de Ingeniería del Cuerpo de Bomberos (informe rendido).\n\n III.- SOBRE EL FONDO. Al conocer una situación similar a la planteada en este amparo, esta Sala se pronunció en sentencia número 2025020525 de las nueve horas veinte minutos del cuatro de julio de dos mil veinticinco, en los siguientes términos:\n\n“III.- SOBRE EL FONDO. La Sala Constitucional ha dicho, reiteradamente, que es deber de las autoridades del MEP brindar —tanto a educadores, como a educandos— las condiciones mínimas de infraestructura —inmuebles, mobiliario, material didáctico, etc.— para garantizar la tutela del derecho fundamental a la educación pública, en los términos establecidos en el artículo 78, de la Constitución Política, que implica la prestación de un servicio público gratuito y costeado por la Nación (véase la sentencia Nº 2021005847 de las 09:15 horas del 19 de marzo de 2021). Esta es la razón por la que, en la sentencia N° 2022018599 de las 09:05 horas del 12 de agosto de 2022, la Sala dispuso lo siguiente:\n\n“...Después de analizar los elementos probatorios aportados, este Tribunal acredita la lesión a los derechos fundamentales de los estudiantes de la Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas.\n\nAhora bien, del informe rendido por los representantes de las autoridades recurridas -que se tienen dado bajo fe de juramento con las consecuencias, incluso penales, previstas en el artículo 44 de la Ley que rige esta Jurisdicción- y la prueba aportada para la resolución del asunto, ha sido debidamente acreditado, que la Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas, actualmente tiene una matrícula de 292 alumnos en su totalidad, tomando en cuenta la educación prescolar, I y II Siglo para este año 2022. Asimismo, 2do. grado cuenta con 45 estudiantes entre hombres y mujeres, y 4to. año con 41 estudiantes en su totalidad 86. Se Verifica que el centro educativo tiene 04 baños, 03 en estado regular y 01 con un pequeño daño. Aunado a ello, las vigas en un aula de I y II ciclo, una de materno y la oficina están dañadas por el comején. Asimismo, el toldo que se utiliza de comedor ya no sirve, está en muy mal estado. Por otra parte, se constata que el 23 de junio de 2022, los padres y estudiantes realizaron una huelga por faltante de códigos y la mala infraestructura del centro educativo. Ese mismo día se apersonaron el director regional, quien contactó a la directora del DIE en ese momento, quien se comprometió a una reunión virtual para el 29 de junio de 2022, la cual fue atendida por Carlos Villalobos subdirector del DIE y Héctor Mendoza, Ingeniero asignado. Se verifica que según oficio N° DVM-A-DIE-DM-F-0627-2022 de fecha 07 de julio de 2022, emitido por la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa del MEP, se está tramitando un proyecto de mantenimiento menor paliativo urgente, para subsanar varias afectaciones puntuales de las instalaciones de la Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano. Actualmente, está en proceso un proyecto de construcción total de nuevas instalaciones para el centro educativo, el cual en este momento ya cuenta con los planos constructivos finalizados y viabilidad ambiental. Asimismo, los planos se encuentran en trámite de aprobación ante el sistema APC del Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos.\n\nNótese, que si bien, se denotan acciones tendentes a buscar una solución a la problemática denunciada por los padres de familia de los estudiandos, lo cierto es, que a la fecha de interposición de este amparo, las obras tanto paliativas como, de fondo necesarias para las mejoras en infraestructura y equipamiento de dicho centro de enseñanza, aún se encuentran en fase de análisis y planeamiento. Tal es así que, según informa bajo juramento el director de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa del Ministerio de Educación Pública, el proyecto de las nuevas instalaciones educativas está planteado para hasta que se cuente con el presupuesto del 2023, y dependiendo de la disponibilidad financiera, iniciando con la primera etapa consistente en las obras más esenciales, por lo que la población estudiantil del centro educativo ha debido utilizar las actuales edificaciones -en mal estado-, para suplir la necesidad de mantener la continuidad al proceso educativo; sin embargo, dicha decisión conlleva un alto riego de que cierta infraestructura colapse y pueda afectar la integridad física de los estudiantes.\n\nEs decir, aun cuando resulta evidente que el Ministerio de Educación ha tenido conocimiento de las necesidades en cuanto a las mejoras de infraestructura que requiere la Escuela de San Isidro desde antes de la interposición de este amparo, las autoridades recurridas han sido permisivas con esta situación y tardías en darle una solución. Además, logra acreditarse que el Departamento de Mantenimiento de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa tiene proyectado la creación de un nuevo edificio, pero todavía no se brinda una fecha estimada para la ejecución de las obras”.\n\nA ello puede añadirse lo dicho en la sentencia Nº 2021013845 de las 09:15 horas del 18 de junio de 2021, a saber:\n\n “En el sub examine, los accionantes reclaman que el Ministerio de Educación Pública no ha continuado con la segunda etapa del proyecto de construcción del Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial del Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. Es necesario, agregan que la\n\nDirección de Infraestructura Educativa del Ministerio de Educación Pública, designe a un ingeniero para continuar con el proyecto. De conformidad con los informes rendidos bajo fe de juramento con las consecuencias, incluso penales, previstas en el artículo 44 de la Ley que rige esta Jurisdicción—, se comprueba que, en efecto, el 19 de junio de 2012, se entrega a la Comisión Técnica Especializada Ley 8283 del\n\nMEP solicitud para construcción de planta física para el servicio de Educación Especial III Ciclo y Ciclo Diversificado Vocacional, para albergar a 125 estudiantes en el Liceo San Miguel. El proyecto según la Arq. Magaly Alvarado del MOPT, presupuesta en ¢356.400.000 por la totalidad del proyecto. Por disponibilidad presupuestaria la Ley 8283 y por albergar a todos los centros educativos con el servicio de III Ciclo y Ciclo Diversificado Vocacional, asigna los recursos por etapas constructivas. Una vez que se autoriza por parte de la comisión el monto para la primera etapa, se traslada al entonces DIEE. El caso se tramita con el procedimiento regular trasladándose al Departamento de Contrataciones el 20 de noviembre de 2013, con el objeto contractual: construcción de 1 aula aislada y 4 aulas adosadas, 1 laboratorio de cómputo, paso a cubierto, 1 batería de servicios sanitarios y acometidas electromecánicas, por un monto de ¢ 104.200.785, 67, cuyo profesional responsable externo Ing. Eric López Castellón. Con la debida autorización de la DIEE, mediante al procedimiento de contratación directa concursada la obra se ejecuta y se solicita mediante correo electrónico el 15 de octubre de 2015, enviado por la coordinadora de la Comisión Ley 8283, informe de liquidación. Posteriormente, el 10 de octubre de 2016, la Comisión Ley 8283 por disponibilidad presupuestaria, aprueba un segundo monto por ¢ 100 millones a favor del centro educativo. La DIE, en efecto se encuentra finalizando su proceso de adaptación luego de la restructuración que acotan en la presentación del recurso, y se designará a un funcionario gestor de manera oficial, para darle continuidad al caso en tiempo y forma, por parte del Departamento de Programación y Seguimiento. De otra parte, se comprueba que hay disponibilidad presupuestaria con la Comisión Ley 8283 para formular el depósito de los ¢152.200.000 pendientes para completar la totalidad las obras solicitadas, previo análisis actualizado de la infraestructura existente. En este momento está pendiente una visita al centro educativo, para que en conjunto con el director del centro educativo y la coordinadora del III Ciclo y Ciclo Diversificado Vocacional de la institución se realice un análisis de las condiciones de la infraestructura que se está utilizando en este momento, la matricula actualizada y las necesidades de ésta según la malla curricular, tomando en cuenta una proyección de matrícula en los próximos tres años. De lo expuesto se desprende con claridad que no es la falta de disponibilidad presupuestaria lo que ha limitado la continuación del proyecto, sino la inactividad por parte de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa del Ministerio de Educación Pública, lo cual contradice abiertamente eficiencia y eficacia que debe imperar en el actuar estatal. Si bien la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa del Ministerio de Educación Pública sufrió una restructuración, las autoridades administrativas del Ministerio de Educación Pública debieron, mientras tanto, disponer lo necesario para que los proyectos de infraestructura como el que es objeto de este amparo no se paralizaran. Es deber de este Tribunal velar por el restablecimiento de los derechos de los estudiantes del Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial del Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. Por otra parte, en cuanto a la Junta Administrativa, se comprueba que ha realizado gestiones tendientes a lograr que se ejecute la obra del segundo pabellón, pero encontró la limitante en la Dirección de Infraestructura del MEP. En virtud de lo expuesto, se declara con lugar el recurso en relación con la Dirección de Infraestructura se refiere únicamente”.\n\n Asimismo, mediante la sentencia N° 2021009707 de las 09:15 horas del 14 de mayo de 2021, la Sala declaró lo siguiente:\n\n“Del simple análisis de los anteriores hechos, se concluye, que desde el año 2017, la escuela recurrida presenta una serie de deficiencias en sus estructuras que han originado su declaratoria de inhabilitada, sin dejar de lado, una serie de medidas sanitarias, y de informes de seguimiento, y cumplimiento que han sido infructuosas. La inercia del MEP es tal, que prácticamente todas las medidas sanitarias, respecto a las mejoras en la estructura física de interés, no han sido cumplidas, y, ni siquiera existe un plan remedial por parte del Ministerio recurrido, para afrontar la problemática que aquejan el cuerpo docente y estudiantil de la escuela tutelada.\n\nNótese, que los problemas sanitarios que presenta la estructura física de la escuela amparada, no es cosa menor, ya que cuenta con declaratoria de inhabilitada. Ni siquiera la interposición de este recurso, motivó a la administración, a cumplir con las órdenes sanitarias en disputa.\n\nSi bien, la Ministra de Educación, hizo una referencia de las acciones que han tomado en los últimos cuatro años, lo cierto del caso, es, que únicamente se encuentran preparados, para iniciar con el diseño de los planos de construcción para las mejoras estructurales. Tal y como lo indica la autoridad recurrida, es complejo resolver en 6 meses una problemática como la aqueja el centro educativo amparado, sin embargo, lo anterior no excusa una inercia de 4 años, para contar al día de hoy, únicamente con el visto bueno para iniciar con el diseño de los planos de construcción. Y, pese a que, la Ministra de Educación informó a esta Sala, sobre las acciones que se estarían tomando, ni siquiera dispuso su comunicación, o, coordinación con el Ministerio de Salud, quien, desde el año 2018, le viene señalando su incumplimiento. Si no es por la acción de este Tribunal, no existiría impulso administrativo alguno para garantizar el derecho a la educación, y la protección de la integridad, y salud, del cuerpo docente y estudiantil del centro educativo amparado.\n\nAl respecto, no debe olvidarse, que es deber de las autoridades del Ministerio de Educación brindar -tanto a educadores, como a educandos- las condiciones mínimas de infraestructura -inmuebles, mobiliario, material didáctico, etc.- para garantizar la tutela del derecho fundamental a la educación pública, en los términos establecidos en el artículo 78, de la Constitución Política, que implica la prestación de un servicio público -gratuito y costeado la Nación-. En razón de lo expuesto, en protección de los derechos fundamentales de las personas y en este caso en particular, de las y los estudiantes, y del personal docente y administrativo del centro educativo amparado, lo que procede es declarar con lugar el recurso, en los términos que se dirán en la parte dispositiva”.\n\n En el presente asunto, consta que, el 22 de abril de 2021 la Junta Administrativa Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, recibió una partida en la Fuente de Financiamiento Infraestructura para la II etapa del proyecto de Plan Nacional, por un monto de ₡105.658.051.00 (ver constancia del Tesorero- Contador de la Junta Administrativa Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro). Pasados dos años, el 18 de mayo de 2023, el recurrente Presidente de la Junta Administrativa y la Directora, ambos del Colegio Técnico Profesional CTP Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, solicitaron a la Directora de Infraestructura Educativa del MEP recurrida, información de seguimiento en relación con las gestiones para iniciar el Proyecto de Construcción de Módulo de Turismo, con los modelos utilizados por la DIE. \n\n Sin embargo, no fue sino 3 años después de haberse otorgado la partida, que el 2 de diciembre de 2024, la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa recurrida dispuso realizar el informe de viabilidad técnica del proyecto del centro educativo Carlos Manuel Vicente, estudio que comprende los antecedentes, la valoración del estado actual y conclusiones. Entre estas últimas, se destaca que, la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa se encuentra aun realizando una valoración técnico-legal del alcance del objeto contractual que contempla las deficiencias de la primera etapa y lo que se requiere en la segunda etapa, conforme a los informes (DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0072-2021 y DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0155-2022), elaborados por el Departamento de Desarrollo de Obra, donde se detalla que: “el objeto contractual detalla que el proyecto queda en obra gris (incluye estructura de techos y cubierta, rodapié, puertas y cielo raso completo)”. \n\n Consta además que, debe asumirse que la segunda etapa corresponde a los acabados de la obra nueva y se advierten inconsistencias en la Formulación y Diseño del proyecto, con respecto a lo encontrado en la obra. También se señala que la Junta Administrativa recibió el proyecto con evidentes deficiencias a nivel constructivo y eléctrico, con obras que incumplían la normativa vigente. Es con ocasión del presente recurso, que la autoridad recurrida dispone que se debe nombrar un ingeniero de esa Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, con el fin de que valore el estado estructural de la obra ya construida y determinar el alcance de las obras que hacen falta en el colegio Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro. A lo que agrega que “por razones de gestiones y trámites administrativos correspondientes a la programación de giras, viáticos y transporte fue necesario reprogramar la visita para el 11 y 12 de junio”\n\n De lo descrito, es claro para esta Sala que han pasado varios años desde que el proyecto de obra fue planteado y desde que la Junta recibió una partida en la Fuente de Financiamiento Infraestructura para la II etapa del proyecto de Plan Nacional, por un monto de ₡105.658.051.00, sin que siquiera se haya delimitado el alcance del objeto contractual, el cual presenta deficiencias de la primera etapa. Se indica en el informe además que, es por tanto necesario determinar lo que requiere para el desarrollo de la etapa siguiente. En suma, el proyecto no ha avanzado porque la DIE no ha realizado la valoración integral del estado estructural de la obra ya construida y aún no ha determinado el alcance de las obras pendientes; ni ha tomado las medidas necesarias para finalizar la construcción de infraestructura en el centro educativo.\n\n Habida cuenta de lo anterior, se impone declarar con lugar este recurso de amparo, en los términos que se dirá”.\n\n \n\n IV.- Caso concreto. De conformidad con los informes bajo fe de juramento con las consecuencias legales, incluso penales, previstas en el artículo 44 de la Ley que rige esta Jurisdicción, se comprueba que el Ministerio de Educación Pública mantiene activo un proyecto mediante el cual se pretende atender los incumplimientos verificados por funcionarios de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa en la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, que está ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca, entre los que se destacan problemas de accesibilidad conforme a la Ley 7600, deficiencias en las baterías sanitarias y un deterioro generalizado de las instalaciones. Debido a lo anterior, el MEP determinó la necesidad de desarrollar un proyecto para la construcción completa de nuevas instalaciones del centro educativo. Desde el año 2021 se contrató a la empresa Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. para la elaboración de los insumos técnicos correspondientes a la etapa de diseño, tales como: estudios básicos de levantamiento topográfico, estudios geotécnicos, informe diagnóstico, informes de pruebas bacteriológicas, informe de tala de árboles y la realización de un taller participativo con padres de familia y usuarios del centro educativo, actividad llevada a cabo el 08 de febrero de 2022. Esta primera etapa cuenta con recibido conforme por parte de los profesionales revisores de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, de fecha 22 de junio de 2022. Posteriormente, se inicia la fase de anteproyecto, en la cual se materializan las ideas y necesidades reales del centro educativo derivadas de los estudios previos y del taller participativo. En esta etapa se definen las edificaciones que conformarán el nuevo centro educativo, las cuales se detallan a continuación:\n\n“• Obras tipo: espera de padres (31 m²), dos aulas académicas (72 m² cada una), un aula académica para idioma y cómputo (72 m²), un aula de preescolar (84 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 5 (30 m²), batería sanitaria tipo 6 (16 m²), extensión de administración (72 m²), cocina de leña (24 m²) y comedor tipo (72 m²).\n\n• Obras no tipo: un rancho cultural, una plaza cívica, 283 m² de pasos techados, un asta de bandera y un tanque elevado de agua potable.\n\n• Obras complementarias: aceras, calle de asfalto, mejoras en parqueo existente, zonas verdes, sistema electromecánico completo y sistema de emergencias”.\n\n La segunda etapa fue recibida a satisfacción por los profesionales de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa mediante oficio DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, de fecha 09 de marzo de 2023. Posteriormente, se gestionó la continuidad de la tercera etapa que corresponde a la elaboración de planos constructivos y especificaciones técnicas, esta 3°etapa ya se encuentra concluida y fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio de aprobación DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, de fecha 10 de diciembre de 2024. Se tramitó la continuidad correspondiente de la cuarta etapa que corresponde al presupuesto detallado y la programación de las obras, con el fin de establecer el costo final del proyecto. Esta 4° etapa fue recibida a satisfacción mediante oficio DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, de fecha 08 de diciembre de 2025. El monto total estimado para la ejecución de la obra asciende a ₡468.957.254,74. Actualmente, el proceso se encuentra en la etapa de preparación de los insumos necesarios para la inscripción del proyecto en el Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN, con el objetivo de generar el código correspondiente y continuar con los trámites finales ante las instituciones competentes, tales como el Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, el Ministerio de Salud y el Departamento de Ingeniería del Cuerpo de Bomberos.\n\n De lo expuesto se concluye con claridad que la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa comprobó las deficiencias del centro educativo de manera que es necesaria la construcción de nuevas instalaciones. Sin embargo, aún no se ha construido. Conforme a las razones expuestas y reiteradas por esta Sala, el amparo debe declarare con lugar.\n\nV.- NOTA DEL MAGISTRADO SALAZAR ALVARADO. En tesis de principio, considero que los casos relacionados con la inactividad de la Administración Pública en la reparación, construcción, modificación o demolición de cualquier obra de infraestructura, deben ser desestimados, por constituir, esa omisión, un tema de legalidad, cuya discusión corresponde a la jurisdicción ordinaria, ante la cual la persona interesada puede debatir, con mayor amplitud, sus disconformidades. Sin embargo, cuando de aquella conducta administrativa omisiva se derive alguna violación a otros derechos fundamentales tutelados en esta jurisdicción constitucional, o se afecten grupos considerados vulnerables, sí entro a conocer el fondo del asunto, por constituir esta situación una excepción a mi posición en esta materia, tal y como sucede en este caso, en que se reclama, la falta de respuesta a una denuncia por un problema en infraestructura de la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca, que pone en riesgo a los estudiantes y al personal administrativo y docente.\n\nVI.- VOTO SALVADO PARCIAL DE LA MAGISTRADA GARRO VARGAS RESPECTO A LA PARTE DISPOSITIVA DE ESTA SENTENCIA. Si bien coincido con la mayoría de la Sala en que el recurso se debe declarar con lugar, difiero sobre dónde residenciar la fase de ejecución del asunto, debido a la inexistencia de mecanismos adecuados previstos por la normativa que rige esta jurisdicción constitucional para dar seguimiento a una sentencia que reviste aspectos técnicos de gran complejidad, como es en este caso para que, en el plazo de veinticuatro meses, contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia, se construyan las instalaciones requeridas por la Escuela El Progreso ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca. En cambio, lo dispuesto por el Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo en materia de ejecución (artículo 155 y siguientes) tiene evidentes ventajas, como la posibilidad de pedir cronogramas, imponer multas, sentar responsabilidades, fiscalizar etapas de cumplimiento, etc. Por ello, de conformidad con lo dispuesto por el artículo 56 de la Ley de Jurisdicción Constitucional, estimo que la fase de ejecución debe realizarse ante el Área de Ejecución del Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, bajo las reglas de ejecución de sentencia de dicho Código.\n\n VII.- DOCUMENTACIÓN APORTADA AL EXPEDIENTE. Se previene a la parte recurrente que, de haber aportado algún documento en papel, así como objetos o pruebas contenidas en algún dispositivo adicional de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, deberá retirarlos del despacho en un plazo máximo de 30 días hábiles contados a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. De lo contrario, será destruido todo aquel material que no sea retirado dentro de este plazo, según lo dispuesto en el “Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial”, aprobado por la Corte Plena en sesión número 27-11 del 22 de agosto del 2011, artículo XXVI y publicado en el Boletín Judicial número 19 del 26 de enero del 2012, así como en el acuerdo aprobado por el Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, en la sesión número 43-12 celebrada el 3 de mayo del 2012, artículo LXXXI.\n\nPOR TANTO:\n\n Se declara con lugar el recurso. En consecuencia, se les ordena a José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Ministro, y a Allan Ramírez Solano, Director de la Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, ambos del Ministerio de Educación Pública, o a quienes ocupen esos cargos que realicen las gestiones necesarias para que, en el plazo de veinticuatro meses, contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia, se construyan las instalaciones requeridas por la Escuela El Progreso ubicada en territorio indígena cabécar de Talamanca. Se advierte que de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 71 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, se impondrá prisión de tres meses a dos años, o de veinte a sesenta días multa, a quien recibiere una orden que deba cumplir o hacer cumplir, dictada en un recurso de amparo y no la cumpliere o no la hiciere cumplir, siempre que el delito no esté más gravemente penado. Se condena al Estado al pago de las costas, daños y perjuicios causados con los hechos que sirven de fundamento a esta declaratoria, los que se liquidarán en ejecución de sentencia de lo contencioso administrativo. El magistrado Salazar Alvarado pone nota. La magistrada Garro Vargas salva el voto respecto a la ejecución de esta sentencia y, de conformidad con el artículo 56 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, dispone que debe realizarse ante el Área de Ejecución del Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, bajo las reglas de ejecución, establecidos en los artículos 155 y siguientes del Código Procesal Contencioso Administrativo. Asimismo, ordena que se le remita copia de la sentencia para que se inicie los procedimientos de ejecución de este fallo.\n\n \n\n \n\nFernando Castillo V.\n\nPresidente\n\n \n\nFernando Cruz C.\n\n \n\nPaul Rueda L.\n\nLuis Fdo. Salazar A.\n\n \n\nJorge Araya G.\n\nAnamari Garro V.\n\n \n\nIngrid Hess H.\n\n \n\n \n\nDocumento Firmado Digitalmente\n\n-- Código verificador --\n\n\n\n 9KZPZEPF8RU61 \n\nEXPEDIENTE N° 26-011488-0007-CO \n\n \n\nTeléfonos: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Dirección electrónica: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Dirección: (Sabana Sur, Calle Morenos, 100 mts. Sur de la iglesia del Perpetuo Socorro).",
"body_en_text": "Document Review\n\nExp: 26-011488-0007-CO\n\nRes. Nº 2026015528\n\nCONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes on the thirtieth of April of two thousand and twenty-six.\n\nWrit of amparo (recurso de amparo) filed by [Nombre 001], national identity number [Valor 001], President of the Integral Development Association of the Cabécar Indigenous Reserve of Talamanca, legal entity number [Valor 002], against the Ministry of Public Education (MEP).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\n1.- By written submission added to this case file on April 1, 2026, the petitioner alleged, in summary, that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He states that indigenous Cabécar children from the community of El Progreso de Talamanca attend this school. He notes that the school's infrastructure is in such poor condition that MEP itself decided, well before 2020, to construct a new building. He asserts that on March 23, 2024, officials from the Ministry of Health conducted an inspection in which they found the following: 1. Ley 7600: No accessibility facilities are available. 2. URINALS: Water availability is inadequate. 3. RANCHO: Classes are held in a rancho because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water seeps in and there are termites. 4. CLASSROOM: It was built empirically, on stilts approximately 50 centimeters off the ground. 5. IN THE KITCHEN: Ceramic floor tiles and an extractor hood are missing; there is no stove, only a gas burner plate; wastewater from the handwashing sink is not treated; there is no documented pest control plan; a chimney is missing from the wood-burning stove (among other deficiencies). He states that none of this has been remedied and, on the contrary, two years later the building is in even worse condition. He asserts that on March 18, 2026, the school's principal inquired with MEP about the project's progress and the response was: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget submitted to DIE for review. o Plan permit applications and endorsements at the Colegio de Ingenieros, to begin once DIE approves the detailed budget.\" He contends that, assuming this is accurate, the only things accomplished in at least 6 years are the designs (which are not yet the construction blueprints) and the budget detail (which has not even been reviewed). For the foregoing reasons, he requests this Chamber's intervention in this matter.\n\n2.- By order issued at nine hours and twenty-two minutes on the fourteenth of April of two thousand and twenty-six, the proceeding was admitted.\n\n3.- By written submission added to this case file on April 22, 2026, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa), both from MEP, filed their report. They stated the following:\n\n\"Regarding the facts alleged by the petitioner, the following is reported: SOLE FINDING: By means of report DVM-A-DIE-DDO-0117-2026, signed by Arq. Lesny Vargas Vargas and Arq. Geovanny Rodríguez Santamaría, officials of the Construction Development Department of this Directorate, which details the current situation of the case of interest:\n\n…It is important to note that the case involves a project intended to address the violations identified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, including accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom facilities (baterías sanitarias), and widespread deterioration of the facilities. As a result, it was determined that a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the school was necessary.\n\nAdditionally, it is noted that since 2021 the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was retained to develop the technical inputs for the design phase, including basic topographic surveys, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological test reports, a tree-felling report, and a participatory workshop with parents and users of the school, held on February 8, 2022. This first phase has been formally accepted by the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated June 22, 2022.\n\nSubsequently, the preliminary design (anteproyecto) phase was initiated, in which the ideas and actual needs of the school derived from the preliminary studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. This phase defined the buildings that would make up the new school, as detailed below:\n\n• Standard works: a parent waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), restroom block type 5 (30 m²), restroom block type 6 (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard cafeteria (72 m²). • Non-standard works: a cultural rancho, a civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable water tank. • Complementary works: sidewalks, paved road, improvements to existing parking, green areas, complete electromechanical system, and emergency systems.\n\nThe second phase was formally accepted by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated March 9, 2023. Subsequently, continuation of the third phase — comprising the preparation of construction blueprints (planos constructivos) and technical specifications — was arranged; this 3rd phase has been completed and was formally accepted through approval notice DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated December 10, 2024. Likewise, continuation of the fourth phase — comprising the detailed budget and project scheduling, in order to establish the final cost of the project — was arranged. This 4th phase was formally accepted through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0813-2025, dated December 8, 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the works comes to ₡468.957.254,74.\n\nCurrently, the process is in the stage of preparing the inputs necessary for registering the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Bank, with the objective of generating the corresponding code and continuing with the final procedures before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, and the Engineering Department of the Cuerpo de Bomberos. It is important to clarify that all public investment works related to infrastructure require an unavoidable and reasonable period of time for definition, formulation, and financing, in addition to the period encompassing the public procurement (contratación administrativa) phase or phases, whose timeframes are set by law. Finally, execution of the project is subject to and conditioned upon the budgetary availability determined by the senior authorities in conjunction with the transfer of resources from the Ministerio de Hacienda. A project timeline based on the project life cycle is attached as an annex.\n\n[…]\n\nBased on the foregoing and on expert professional judgment, it can be estimated that addressing the case of interest will require an additional period of at least 68 weeks, that is, 476 calendar days, with an estimated completion date of approximately September 2027. It is therefore considered of the utmost importance that the Chamber appropriately assess and calibrate the timelines set out in the submitted schedules. Finally, it is highlighted that institutional efforts are directed at serving the student community in the shortest time possible, while ensuring the continuity of the educational services provided to the children of the community… For the foregoing reasons, and based on the considerations set out in this report, the honorable Sala Constitucional is respectfully requested to deny the writ of amparo filed.\"\n\nOpinion written by Magistrate Cruz Castro; and,\n\nConsidering:\n\nI.- SUBJECT MATTER. The petitioner alleged that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He states that indigenous Cabécar children from the community of El Progreso de Talamanca attend this school. He notes that the school's infrastructure is in such poor condition that MEP itself decided, well before 2020, to construct a new building. He asserts that on March 23, 2024, officials from the Ministry of Health conducted an inspection in which they found the following: 1. Ley 7600: No accessibility facilities are available. 2. URINALS: Water availability is inadequate. 3. RANCHO: Classes are held in a rancho because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water seeps in and there are termites. 4. CLASSROOM: It was built empirically, on stilts approximately 50 centimeters off the ground. 5. IN THE KITCHEN: Ceramic floor tiles and an extractor hood are missing; there is no stove, only a gas burner plate; wastewater from the handwashing sink is not treated; there is no documented pest control plan; a chimney is missing from the wood-burning stove (among other deficiencies). He states that none of this has been remedied and, on the contrary, two years later the building is in even worse condition. He asserts that on March 18, 2026, the school's principal inquired with MEP about the project's progress and the response was: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget submitted to DIE for review. o Plan permit applications and endorsements at the Colegio de Ingenieros, to begin once DIE approves the detailed budget.\" He contends that, assuming this is accurate, the only things accomplished in at least 6 years are the designs (which are not yet the construction blueprints) and the budget detail (which has not even been reviewed). For the foregoing reasons, he requests this Chamber's intervention in this matter.\n\nII.- ESTABLISHED FACTS. The following facts are considered duly proven and material to the decision of this case:\n\n1) MEP maintains an active project intended to address the violations identified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, including accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom facilities, and widespread deterioration of the facilities (filed report).\n\n2) As a result, MEP determined that a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the school was necessary (filed report).\n\n3) Since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was retained to develop the technical inputs for the design phase, including basic topographic surveys, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological test reports, a tree-felling report, and a participatory workshop with parents and users of the school, held on February 8, 2022 (filed report).\n\n4) This first phase was formally accepted by the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated June 22, 2022 (filed report).\n\n5) Subsequently, the preliminary design phase was initiated, in which the ideas and actual needs of the school derived from the preliminary studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. This phase defined the buildings that would make up the new school, as detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard works: a parent waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), restroom block type 5 (30 m²), restroom block type 6 (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard cafeteria (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works: a cultural rancho, a civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, paved road, improvements to existing parking, green areas, complete electromechanical system, and emergency systems\" (filed report).\n\n6) The second phase was formally accepted by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated March 9, 2023 (filed report).\n\n7) Subsequently, continuation of the third phase — comprising the preparation of construction blueprints and technical specifications — was arranged; this 3rd phase has been completed and was formally accepted through approval notice DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated December 10, 2024 (filed report).\n\n8) Continuation of the fourth phase — comprising the detailed budget and project scheduling, in order to establish the final cost of the project — was arranged. This 4th phase was formally accepted through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0813-2025, dated December 8, 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the works comes to ₡468.957.254,74 (filed report).\n\n9) Currently, the process is in the stage of preparing the inputs necessary for registering the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Bank, with the objective of generating the corresponding code and continuing with the final procedures before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, and the Engineering Department of the Cuerpo de Bomberos (filed report).\n\nIII.- ON THE MERITS. When considering a situation similar to that presented in this amparo, this Chamber ruled in judgment number 2025020525 issued at nine hours and twenty minutes on the fourth of July of two thousand and twenty-five, in the following terms:\n\n\"III.- ON THE MERITS. The Sala Constitucional has repeatedly held that it is the duty of MEP authorities to provide — to both teachers and students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — buildings, furnishings, teaching materials, etc. — to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, in the terms established in article 78 of the Constitución Política, which entails the provision of a public service that is free and funded by the Nation (see judgment Nº 2021005847 issued at 09:15 hours on March 19, 2021). This is why, in judgment N° 2022018599 issued at 09:05 hours on August 12, 2022, the Chamber ordered as follows:\n\n\"…After analyzing the evidentiary materials submitted, this Tribunal finds that the fundamental rights of the students of Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas, have been violated.\n\nMoreover, from the report filed by the representatives of the respondent authorities — which is treated as having been given under oath with the consequences, including criminal penalties, set forth in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — and from the evidence submitted for resolution of the matter, it has been duly established that Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas, currently has a total enrollment of 292 students, including preschool and Cycles I and II for the year 2022. Likewise, 2nd grade has 45 students, both male and female, and 4th grade has a total of 41 students, for a combined total of 86. It is verified that the school has 04 bathrooms, 03 in fair condition and 01 with minor damage. In addition, the beams in one Cycle I and II classroom, one maternal classroom, and the administrative office are damaged by termites. Likewise, the awning used as a cafeteria is no longer serviceable and is in very poor condition. It is also confirmed that on June 23, 2022, parents and students held a strike over a shortage of teaching positions and the poor infrastructure of the school. That same day, the regional director appeared on site and contacted the then-director of DIE, who committed to holding a virtual meeting on June 29, 2022, which was attended by Carlos Villalobos, deputy director of DIE, and Héctor Mendoza, the assigned engineer. It is verified that, according to official communication N° DVM-A-DIE-DM-F-0627-2022 dated July 7, 2022, issued by the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP, a minor palliative maintenance project is being processed to address various specific issues at Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano. There is currently a project underway for the total construction of new facilities for the school, which at this stage already has finalized construction blueprints and environmental clearance (viabilidad ambiental). The blueprints are also in the process of approval before the APC system of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos.\n\nNote that, while actions aimed at finding a solution to the problem reported by the parents are apparent, the fact remains that as of the date this amparo was filed, both the palliative works and the substantive works necessary for infrastructure and equipment improvements at this school are still in the analysis and planning phase. As evidenced by the sworn statement of the director of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP, the project for new educational facilities is planned for when the 2023 budget becomes available, and depending on financial availability, beginning with the first phase consisting of the most essential works, meaning that the school's student population has had to use the existing buildings — in poor condition — to maintain continuity of the educational process; however, this decision entails a high risk that some infrastructure may collapse and harm the physical integrity of the students.\n\nIn other words, even though it is evident that the Ministry of Education has been aware of the infrastructure improvement needs at Escuela de San Isidro since before this amparo was filed, the respondent authorities have been permissive regarding this situation and slow to find a solution. Furthermore, it is established that the Maintenance Department of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure plans to construct a new building, but no estimated date for the execution of works has yet been provided.\"\n\nTo this may be added what was stated in judgment Nº 2021013845 issued at 09:15 hours on June 18, 2021, namely:\n\n\"In the sub examine, the petitioners allege that MEP has not continued with the second phase of the construction project for the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial at Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. They add that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP must assign an engineer to continue the project. Based on the reports filed under oath — with the consequences, including criminal penalties, set forth in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — it is confirmed that, in fact, on June 19, 2012, a request was submitted to the Specialized Technical Commission Ley 8283 of MEP for the construction of a physical plant for the Special Education service, Cycle III and Diversified Vocational Cycle, to accommodate 125 students at Liceo San Miguel. According to Arq. Magaly Alvarado of MOPT, the project was budgeted at ¢356.400.000 for the full project. Due to budgetary availability under Ley 8283 and in order to serve all schools with Cycle III and Diversified Vocational Cycle services, resources were allocated by construction phase. Once the commission authorized the amount for the first phase, it was transferred to the then-DIEE. The case was processed through the regular procedure and forwarded to the Contracting Department on November 20, 2013, with the contractual object: construction of 1 detached classroom and 4 attached classrooms, 1 computer laboratory, a covered walkway, 1 restroom block, and electromechanical connections, for an amount of ¢ 104.200.785,67, with external responsible professional Ing. Eric López Castellón. With the proper authorization of DIEE, through competitive direct contracting (contratación directa concursada) the works were executed, and on October 15, 2015, a request for a settlement report was submitted by email by the coordinator of the Ley 8283 Commission. Subsequently, on October 10, 2016, the Ley 8283 Commission, due to budgetary availability, approved a second amount of ¢ 100 million in favor of the school. DIE is in fact finalizing its adaptation process following the restructuring referred to in the petition, and an official project manager will be assigned to give the case proper and timely follow-up through the Programming and Monitoring Department. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the Ley 8283 Commission has budgetary availability to process the deposit of the ¢152.200.000 outstanding to complete all requested works, subject to an updated analysis of the existing infrastructure. At this time, a site visit to the school is pending, to be conducted jointly with the school's principal and the coordinator of Cycle III and Diversified Vocational Cycle, in order to analyze the current conditions of the infrastructure in use, the updated enrollment figures, and the needs arising from the curriculum, taking into account an enrollment projection for the next three years. From the foregoing it is clearly apparent that it is the inaction of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP — and not a lack of budgetary availability — that has limited the continuation of the project, which openly contradicts the efficiency and effectiveness that must govern state action. While the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP underwent a restructuring, the administrative authorities of MEP should have, in the meantime, taken the necessary steps to ensure that infrastructure projects such as the one at issue in this amparo were not stalled. It is the duty of this Tribunal to ensure the restoration of the rights of the students in the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial at Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. Furthermore, regarding the Administrative Board (Junta Administrativa), it is confirmed that it has taken steps to achieve execution of the second wing's works, but encountered an obstacle at the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of MEP. In light of the foregoing, the writ is granted solely with respect to the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure.\"\n\nLikewise, in judgment N° 2021009707 issued at 09:15 hours on May 14, 2021, the Chamber ruled as follows:\n\n\"From a simple analysis of the foregoing facts, it is concluded that since 2017 the school at issue has presented a series of structural deficiencies that led to its declaration as unfit for use, in addition to a series of health measures, follow-up reports, and compliance requirements that have proven fruitless. MEP's inaction is such that practically all of the health measures regarding improvements to the physical structure at issue have not been complied with, and there is not even a remedial plan on the part of the respondent Ministry to address the problems afflicting the teaching and student body of the protected school.\n\nNote that the sanitary problems present in the physical structure of the protected school are not a minor matter, as it has been declared unfit for use. Even the filing of this writ did not motivate the administration to comply with the contested sanitary orders.\n\nWhile the Minister of Education made reference to the actions taken over the last four years, the fact of the matter is that they are only now prepared to begin the design of the construction plans for the structural improvements. As the respondent authority itself states, resolving in 6 months a problem as serious as the one afflicting the protected school is complex; however, this does not excuse 4 years of inaction, resulting in today having obtained only the approval to begin the design of the construction plans. And, despite the fact that the Minister of Education informed this Chamber of the actions that would be taken, she did not even arrange for communication or coordination with the Ministry of Health, which has been citing non-compliance since 2018. Were it not for this Tribunal's intervention, there would be no administrative impetus whatsoever to guarantee the right to education and to protect the integrity and health of the teaching and student body of the protected school.\n\nIn this regard, it must not be forgotten that it is the duty of the authorities of the Ministry of Education to provide — to both teachers and students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — buildings, furnishings, teaching materials, etc. — to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, in the terms established in article 78 of the Constitución Política, which entails the provision of a public service — free and funded by the Nation. For the foregoing reasons, in protection of the fundamental rights of persons and in this particular case of the students and the teaching and administrative staff of the protected school, the appropriate course of action is to grant the writ, in the terms that will be set out in the operative section (parte dispositiva).\"\n\nIn the present case, it is on record that on April 22, 2021, the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro received a budget allocation under the Infrastructure Financing Source for the second phase of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105.658.051.00 (see certification from the Treasurer-Accountant of the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro). Two years later, on May 18, 2023, the petitioner — President of the Administrative Board — and the Principal, both of Colegio Técnico Profesional CTP Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, requested follow-up information from the respondent Director of Educational Infrastructure of MEP regarding the steps taken to begin the Construction Project for the Tourism Module, using the standard models employed by DIE.\n\nHowever, it was not until 3 years after the budget allocation was granted that, on December 2, 2024, the respondent Directorate of Educational Infrastructure issued a technical feasibility report for the project at Centro Educativo Carlos Manuel Vicente, a study comprising background information, an assessment of the current state, and conclusions. Among the latter, it is notable that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure is still conducting a technical-legal assessment of the scope of the contractual object, which encompasses the deficiencies from the first phase as well as the requirements for the second phase, pursuant to reports (DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0072-2021 and DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0155-2022) prepared by the Construction Development Department, which specify that: \"the contractual object provides that the project is to be left at the structural shell stage (obra gris) (including roof structure and covering, baseboards, doors, and complete ceiling).\"\n\nIt is further on record that the second phase must be understood as corresponding to the finishing works on the new structure, and that inconsistencies in the project's formulation and design were identified in relation to what was found in the actual works. It is also noted that the Administrative Board accepted the project with evident construction and electrical deficiencies, with works that did not comply with applicable regulations. It is on the occasion of the present writ that the respondent authority determined that an engineer from the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure must be appointed to assess the structural condition of the already-constructed works and to determine the scope of the works still needed at Colegio Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro.\n\n...adding that \"due to administrative management and processing requirements related to the scheduling of field trips, per diem allowances, and transportation, it was necessary to reschedule the visit to June 11 and 12.\"\n\nFrom what has been described, it is clear to this Court that several years have passed since the construction project was proposed and since the Board received a budget allocation from the Infrastructure Financing Source for the second phase of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105.658.051.00, without even having defined the scope of the contractual subject matter, which has deficiencies from the first phase. The report further indicates that it is therefore necessary to determine what is required for the development of the following phase. In sum, the project has not advanced because DIE has not conducted a comprehensive assessment of the structural condition of the already-constructed work, has not yet determined the scope of the pending works, and has not taken the necessary measures to complete the construction of infrastructure at the educational center.\n\nIn light of the foregoing, it is necessary to grant this amparo petition (recurso de amparo), on the terms that will be set forth.\n\nIV.- Specific Case. In accordance with the sworn reports submitted under the legal consequences, including criminal penalties, established in Article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction, it is established that MEP maintains an active project aimed at addressing the deficiencies verified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, DIE) at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, among which stand out accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the sanitary facility blocks (baterías sanitarias), and widespread deterioration of the facilities. As a result, MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the educational center. Since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted to prepare the technical inputs (insumos técnicos) for the design phase, including: basic topographic survey studies, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the educational center, an activity carried out on February 8, 2022. This first phase received formal acceptance (recibido conforme) from the reviewing professionals of DIE, through official memorandum (oficio) DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated June 22, 2022. Subsequently, the preliminary design phase (anteproyecto) was initiated, in which the ideas and actual needs of the educational center, derived from the prior studies and the participatory workshop, were given concrete form. This phase defined the structures that will make up the new educational center, which are detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard works (Obras tipo): parent waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computer instruction (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), type-5 sanitary facility block (30 m²), type-6 sanitary facility block (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard dining room (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works (Obras no tipo): one cultural thatched pavilion (rancho cultural), one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, one flagpole, and one elevated drinking-water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green areas, a complete electromechanical system, and an emergency system.\"\n\nThe second phase was accepted satisfactorily by DIE professionals through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated March 9, 2023. Subsequently, the continuation of the third phase was processed, corresponding to the preparation of construction drawings (planos constructivos) and technical specifications; this third phase has already been completed and was accepted satisfactorily through approval memorandum DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated December 10, 2024. The corresponding continuation of the fourth phase was processed, covering the detailed budget and scheduling of the works, with the aim of establishing the final cost of the project. This fourth phase was accepted satisfactorily through official memorandum DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated December 8, 2025. The total estimated amount for the execution of the works comes to ₡468.957.254,74. Currently, the process is at the stage of preparing the necessary inputs for registration of the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Registry (Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN), with the aim of generating the corresponding code and proceeding with the final administrative steps before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Salud, and the Engineering Department of the Fire Department (Cuerpo de Bomberos).\n\nFrom the foregoing it is clearly concluded that DIE verified the deficiencies of the educational center such that construction of new facilities is necessary. However, construction has not yet taken place. In accordance with the reasons stated and reiterated by this Court, the amparo petition must be granted.\n\nV.- NOTE OF JUSTICE SALAZAR ALVARADO. As a matter of principle, I consider that cases related to the inaction of the Public Administration in the repair, construction, modification, or demolition of any infrastructure work should be dismissed, since such omission constitutes a matter of legality whose discussion belongs to the ordinary courts, before which the interested party may argue their grievances more broadly. However, when such administrative omission gives rise to a violation of other fundamental rights protected under this constitutional jurisdiction, or when vulnerable groups are affected, I do proceed to hear the merits of the case, since this situation constitutes an exception to my position on this matter, as is the case here, where the claim is the failure to respond to a complaint regarding an infrastructure problem at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, which puts students and administrative and teaching staff at risk.\n\nVI.- PARTIAL DISSENTING VOTE (VOTO SALVADO) OF JUSTICE GARRO VARGAS REGARDING THE OPERATIVE PART OF THIS JUDGMENT. While I agree with the majority of the Court that the petition should be granted, I differ on the question of where to situate the enforcement phase of the matter, given the absence of adequate mechanisms provided by the rules governing this constitutional jurisdiction for monitoring a judgment that involves highly complex technical aspects, as is the case here, requiring that within twenty-four months, counted from notification of this judgment, the facilities required by Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, be constructed. By contrast, the provisions of the Code of Administrative Litigation Procedure (Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo) on enforcement (Article 155 and following) offer clear advantages, such as the ability to request schedules, impose fines, establish accountability, monitor compliance stages, etc. For this reason, in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Act (Ley de Jurisdicción Constitucional), I consider that the enforcement phase should be conducted before the Enforcement Division (Área de Ejecución) of the Administrative and Treasury Court (Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda), under the judgment enforcement rules of that Code.\n\nVII.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE. The petitioning party is hereby notified that, should it have submitted any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained on any additional device of an electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology nature, it must retrieve them from the Court's offices within a maximum period of 30 business days (días hábiles) counted from notification of this judgment. Otherwise, all material not retrieved within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the \"Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial,\" approved by the Corte Plena in session number 27-11 of August 22, 2011, Article XXVI, and published in the Boletín Judicial number 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as the agreement approved by the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial in session number 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.\n\nPor tanto:\n\nThe petition is granted. Consequently, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, both of MEP, or whoever holds those positions, are ordered to take the necessary steps so that, within twenty-four months counted from notification of this judgment, the facilities required by Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, are constructed. Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Article 71 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Act, a prison sentence of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on anyone who receives an order that they must comply with or enforce, issued in an amparo petition, and fails to comply with or enforce it, provided the offense is not more severely penalized elsewhere. The State is ordered to pay court costs and damages and losses (daños y perjuicios) caused by the facts that serve as the basis for this ruling, which shall be assessed in the enforcement proceedings before the administrative courts. Justice Salazar Alvarado submits a separate note. Justice Garro Vargas dissents (salva el voto) with respect to the enforcement of this judgment and, in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Act, orders that it be conducted before the Enforcement Division of the Administrative and Treasury Court, under the enforcement rules established in Articles 155 and following of the Code of Administrative Litigation Procedure. She likewise orders that a copy of the judgment be sent to that court so that the enforcement proceedings for this ruling may be initiated.\n\nFernando Castillo V.\nPresident\n\nFernando Cruz C.\n\nPaul Rueda L.\nLuis Fdo. Salazar A.\n\nJorge Araya G.\nAnamari Garro V.\n\nIngrid Hess H.\n\nDigitally Signed Document\n-- Verification code --\n\n9KZPZEPF8RU61\n\nEXPEDIENTE N° 26-011488-0007-CO\n\nTelephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Electronic address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Sabana Sur, Calle Morenos, 100 mts. Sur de la iglesia del Perpetuo Socorro).\n\n---\n\nExp: 26-011488-0007-CO\nRes. Nº 2026015528\n\nCONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes of April 30, two thousand twenty-six.\n\nAmparo petition filed by [Nombre 001], identity card number [Valor 001], President of the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Reserva Indígena Cabécar de Talamanca, legal entity number [Valor 002], against the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP).\n\nWHEREAS:\n\n1.- By written submission added to this case file on April 1, 2026, the petitioner alleged, in summary, that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He states that Cabécar indigenous children from the El Progreso de Talamanca community attend this educational center. He states that the infrastructure of that school is in such poor condition that MEP itself decided, well before 2020, to construct a new building. He states that on March 23, 2024, officials from the Ministerio de Salud conducted an inspection in which they found: 1. LEY 7600: No accessibility facilities are available. 2. URINALS (ORINALES): Water availability is not adequate. 3. THATCHED PAVILION (RANCHO): Classes are held in a thatched pavilion because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water gets inside and there are termites. 4. CLASSROOM (AULA): Built informally on posts approximately 50 centimeters above the ground. 5. IN THE KITCHEN (EN LA COCINA): No ceramic tile on the kitchen floor and no extractor hood; there is no stove, only a gas burner is available; wastewater from the sink is not treated; there is no documented pest-control plan; the wood-burning stove lacks a chimney (among other issues). He states that none of the foregoing has been corrected and, on the contrary, two years later the building is in worse condition. He states that on March 18, 2026, the school principal consulted MEP about the progress of the project and the response was: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget, submitted for review by DIE. o Plan endorsements at the Colegio de Ingenieros, to begin once the detailed budget is approved by DIE.\" He argues that, assuming this is true, all that has been done in at least 6 years are the designs (which are not the plans) and the budget breakdown (which has not even been reviewed). For the reasons stated, he requests the Court's intervention in this matter.\n\n2.- By resolution of nine hours and twenty-two minutes of April 14, 2026, the proceedings were admitted.\n\n3.- By written submission added to this case file on April 22, 2026, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, both of MEP, submitted the required report. They stated the following:\n\n\"Regarding the facts alleged by the petitioning party, the following is reported: SOLE ITEM: Through report DVM-A-DIE-DDO-0117-2026, signed by Arq. Lesny Vargas Vargas and Arq.\n\nGeovanny Rodríguez Santamaría, officials of the Department of Construction Development of this Directorate, which details the current status of the case at hand:\n\n\"…It is important to note that this case involves a project aimed at addressing the deficiencies verified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, among which accessibility problems under Ley 7600 stand out, deficiencies in the sanitary facilities (baterías sanitarias), and a general deterioration of the facilities. As a result, the need was determined to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the educational center.\n\nAdditionally, it is noted that since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted to prepare the technical inputs for the design phase, including: basic topographic survey studies, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological test reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the educational center, an activity carried out on 08 de febrero de 2022. This first phase was formally accepted by the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated 22 de junio de 2022.\n\nSubsequently, the preliminary design (anteproyecto) phase began, in which the actual ideas and needs of the educational center derived from the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. During this phase, the buildings that will make up the new educational center were defined, as detailed below:\n\n• Standard-type works (obras tipo): parents' waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), type-5 sanitary facility block (30 m²), type-6 sanitary facility block (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard cafeteria (72 m²). • Non-standard works (obras no tipo): one cultural pavilion (rancho cultural), one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, one flagpole, and one elevated potable-water tank. • Complementary works: sidewalks, asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green areas, a complete electromechanical system, and an emergency system.\n\nThe second phase was accepted satisfactorily by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 de marzo de 2023. Subsequently, the continuation of the third phase was processed, corresponding to the preparation of construction drawings and technical specifications; this 3rd phase is already complete and was accepted satisfactorily through approval communication DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 de diciembre de 2024. Likewise, the corresponding continuation of the fourth phase was processed, corresponding to the detailed budget and scheduling of the works, in order to establish the final cost of the project. This 4th phase was accepted satisfactorily through official communication DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 de diciembre de 2025. The total estimated amount for the execution of the works is ₡468.957.254,74.\n\nCurrently, the process is at the stage of preparing the inputs necessary for the registration of the project in MIDEPLAN's Project Bank, with the objective of generating the corresponding code and continuing with the final procedures before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Salud, and the Department of Engineering of the Cuerpo de Bomberos. It is important to clarify that every public investment work related to infrastructure requires the unavoidable minimum time needed for it to be defined, formulated, and financed, in addition to the period encompassing the administrative procurement phase(s), whose deadlines are established by law. Finally, its execution is subject to and conditioned upon the budgetary availability determined by the superior authorities together with the transfer of resources from the Ministerio de Hacienda. Additionally, the project schedule according to the project life cycle is attached.\n\n[…]\n\nBased on the foregoing and expert professional judgment, it can be estimated that addressing the case at hand requires an additional period of at least 68 weeks, or 476 calendar days, with an estimated completion date of approximately September 2027. It is therefore considered of the utmost importance that the Sala appropriately weigh and calibrate the timelines indicated in the schedules presented. Finally, it is emphasized that institutional efforts are directed at serving the student community in the shortest time possible, while ensuring continuity of the educational services provided to the children of the community… For the foregoing reasons, and on the basis of the considerations developed in this report, it is respectfully requested that the Honorable Sala Constitucional dismiss the constitutional protection petition (recurso de amparo) filed.\"\n\nOpinion drafted by Justice Cruz Castro; and,\n\nConsidering:\n\nI.- SUBJECT MATTER. The petitioner alleged that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He indicated that indigenous Cabécar children from the El Progreso de Talamanca community attend that educational center.\n\nIt states that the infrastructure of that school is in such poor condition that the Ministry of Public Education (Ministerio de Educación Pública, MEP) itself decided, well before 2020, to construct a new building. It states that on 23 March 2024, officials from the Ministry of Health conducted an inspection in which they found the following: 1. LEY 7600: No accessibility facilities are in place. 2. URINALS: The water supply is inadequate. 3. OPEN-AIR SHELTER: Classes are taught in an open-air shelter (rancho) because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water seeps in and the structure is infested with termites (comején). 4. CLASSROOM: The classroom was built empirically (de forma empírica), raised on posts approximately 50 centimeters off the ground. 5. IN THE KITCHEN: The kitchen floor lacks ceramic tile and an exhaust hood; there is no proper stove, only a gas burner; wastewater from the handwashing sink receives no treatment; there is no documented pest-control plan; the wood-burning hearth (fogón) lacks a chimney (among other deficiencies). It states that none of the foregoing has been corrected and that, on the contrary, two years later the building is in even worse condition. It states that on 18 March 2026, the director of the respondent school consulted MEP regarding the progress of the project, and the response was: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget submitted for DIE review. o Permit processing and plan endorsement at the Engineers' College (Colegio de Ingenieros), to commence once the detailed budget is approved by DIE.\" It alleges that, assuming this to be true, all that has been accomplished in at least 6 years are the designs (which are not the same as construction drawings) and the budget detail (which has not even been reviewed). For the reasons stated, the petitioner requests the intervention of the Court in this matter.\n\n**II.- PROVEN FACTS.** For the purposes of deciding this matter, the following facts are found to be duly established:\n\n**1)** The Ministry of Public Education maintains an active project aimed at addressing the deficiencies identified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, DIE) at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, including accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom blocks (baterías sanitarias), and a general deterioration of the facilities (report submitted).\n\n**2)** As a result, MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities for the school (report submitted).\n\n**3)** Beginning in 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted to prepare the technical inputs for the design phase, including: basic topographic survey studies, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the school, which took place on 08 February 2022 (report submitted).\n\n**4)** This first phase was accepted as satisfactory by the review professionals of DIE pursuant to official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated 22 June 2022 (report submitted).\n\n**5)** Subsequently, the schematic design phase (anteproyecto) was initiated, in which the ideas and actual needs of the school identified through the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. This phase defined the buildings that will make up the new school, detailed as follows:\n\n\"• Standard-type works: a parents' waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), type-5 restroom block (30 m²), type-6 restroom block (16 m²), administration wing extension (72 m²), wood-fired kitchen (24 m²), and a standard dining hall (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works: one cultural open-air shelter (rancho cultural), one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable-water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green spaces, complete electromechanical system, and emergency system\" (report submitted).\n\n**6)** The second phase was accepted as satisfactory by the professionals of DIE pursuant to official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 March 2023 (report submitted).\n\n**7)** Subsequently, the continuation of the third phase was processed, corresponding to the preparation of construction drawings (planos constructivos) and technical specifications. This third phase is now complete and was accepted as satisfactory pursuant to approval communication DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 December 2024 (report submitted).\n\n**8)** The continuation of the fourth phase was processed, corresponding to the detailed cost estimate (presupuesto detallado) and scheduling of works, in order to establish the final project cost. This fourth phase was accepted as satisfactory pursuant to official communication DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 December 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the works is ₡468.957.254,74 (report submitted).\n\n**9)** The process is currently at the stage of preparing the inputs required for registration of the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Registry, with the goal of generating the corresponding project code and proceeding with the final administrative steps before the competent institutions, including the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, and the Engineering Department of the Cuerpo de Bomberos (report submitted).\n\n**III.- ON THE MERITS.**\n\nHaving considered a situation analogous to the one raised in this constitutional protection writ (amparo), this Chamber ruled in judgment number 2025020525, rendered at nine hours and twenty minutes on July 4, 2025, in the following terms:\n\n\"**III.- ON THE MERITS.** The Constitutional Chamber has repeatedly held that it is the duty of MEP authorities to provide — to both educators and students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — buildings, furnishings, teaching materials, etc. — necessary to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms established in article 78 of the Political Constitution, which entails the provision of a public service that is free of charge and funded by the Nation (see judgment Nº 2021005847, rendered at 09:15 hours on March 19, 2021). This is the reason why, in judgment N° 2022018599, rendered at 09:05 hours on August 12, 2022, the Chamber ordered the following:\n\n\"...After analyzing the evidentiary elements submitted, this Tribunal finds that the fundamental rights of the students of the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas have been violated.\n\nFurthermore, from the report filed by the representatives of the challenged authorities — which is treated as having been given under oath, with the consequences, including criminal ones, set forth in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — and from the evidence submitted for the resolution of the matter, it has been duly established that the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas currently has a total enrollment (matrícula) of 292 students, counting preschool and Cycles I and II for the year 2022. Additionally, 2nd grade has 45 students, male and female, and 4th year has 41 students, for a combined total of 86. It is verified that the educational center has 04 restrooms: 03 in fair condition and 01 with minor damage. In addition, the beams in one Cycle I and II classroom, one preschool classroom, and the administrative office are damaged by termites (comején). Likewise, the awning used as the school cafeteria is no longer serviceable and is in very poor condition. It is also noted that on June 23, 2022, parents and students held a strike over a shortage of codes and the poor state of the educational center's facilities. On that same day, the regional director came to the school and contacted the then-director of the DIE, who committed to a virtual meeting on June 29, 2022; that meeting was attended by Carlos Villalobos, deputy director of the DIE, and Héctor Mendoza, the assigned engineer. It is verified that, according to official communication N° DVM-A-DIE-DM-F-0627-2022 dated July 7, 2022, issued by the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa of MEP, an urgent palliative minor-maintenance project is being processed to address several specific deficiencies in the facilities of the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano. A project for the complete construction of new facilities for the educational center is currently in progress; the construction plans have been finalized and environmental clearance (viabilidad ambiental) has been obtained. The plans are also in the process of being approved through the APC system of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos.\n\nIt should be noted that, while actions aimed at finding a solution to the problems reported by the parents of the students are in evidence, the fact is that, as of the date this amparo was filed, both the palliative works and the substantive works required to improve the infrastructure and equipment of the educational center are still in the analysis and planning phase. This is reflected in the sworn testimony of the director of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa of the Ministerio de Educación Pública, who reports that the new educational facilities project is scheduled to proceed once the 2023 budget is available, and subject to financial availability, beginning with the first phase consisting of the most essential works. Consequently, the student population of the educational center has had to use the current buildings — which are in poor condition — in order to maintain continuity of the educational process; however, that decision carries a high risk that certain infrastructure may collapse, potentially endangering the physical integrity of the students.\n\nIn other words, even though it is clear that the Ministerio de Educación has been aware of the infrastructure improvement needs of the Escuela de San Isidro since before this amparo was filed, the challenged authorities have been permissive of this situation and slow to resolve it.\n\n\"Furthermore, it is established that the Maintenance Department of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure has plans to construct a new building, but no estimated date for the execution of the works has yet been provided.\"\n\nTo this may be added what was stated in ruling Nº 2021013845 of 09:15 hours on June 18, 2021, as follows:\n\n\"In the case under review, the petitioners claim that the Ministry of Public Education has not proceeded with the second phase of the construction project for the National Special Education Plan Program at Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. They further contend that it is necessary for the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Education to designate an engineer to continue the project. In accordance with the reports submitted under oath — with the consequences, including criminal penalties, provided under article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — it is established that on June 19, 2012, a request was delivered to the Specialized Technical Commission of Ley 8283 of the MEP for the construction of a physical facility for the Special Education service of the Third Cycle and Diversified Vocational Cycle, to accommodate 125 students at Liceo San Miguel. The project, according to Arq. Magaly Alvarado of MOPT, was budgeted at ¢356.400.000 for the entirety of the project. Due to budget availability, Ley 8283, in order to serve all educational centers providing the Third Cycle and Diversified Vocational Cycle service, allocates resources in construction phases. Once the commission authorized the amount for the first phase, it was transferred to what was then the DIEE. The case was processed under the regular procedure and transferred to the Procurement Department on November 20, 2013, with the following scope of work: construction of 1 stand-alone classroom and 4 attached classrooms, 1 computer laboratory, a covered walkway, 1 sanitary facilities block, and electromechanical connections, for a total of ¢ 104.200.785,67, with external responsible professional Ing. Eric López Castellón. With the proper authorization of the DIEE, and through competitive direct procurement (contratación directa concursada), the works were carried out; on October 15, 2015, the coordinator of Commission Ley 8283 sent an email requesting a final settlement report (informe de liquidación). Subsequently, on October 10, 2016, Commission Ley 8283, given budget availability, approved a second allocation of ¢ 100 million in favor of the educational center. The DIE is in fact completing its adaptation process following the restructuring referenced in the submission of the writ, and an official case manager will be formally designated to give the matter timely and proper continuity by the Planning and Monitoring Department. Furthermore, it is established that budget availability exists through Commission Ley 8283 to execute the deposit of the outstanding ¢152.200.000 needed to complete all of the requested works, following an updated analysis of the existing infrastructure. At this time, a site visit to the educational center is pending so that, together with the school principal and the Third Cycle and Diversified Vocational Cycle coordinator of the institution, an analysis can be conducted of the conditions of the infrastructure currently in use, the current enrollment figures, and the institution's needs according to the curriculum framework, taking into account an enrollment projection for the next three years. What has been set forth makes it clear that it is not a lack of budget availability that has limited the continuation of the project, but rather the inaction of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Education, which openly contradicts the efficiency and effectiveness that must govern the conduct of the state. Although the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Education underwent a restructuring, the administrative authorities of the Ministry of Public Education should, in the meantime, have taken the steps necessary to ensure that infrastructure projects such as the one at issue in this constitutional protection writ (amparo) were not halted. It is the duty of this Court to ensure the restoration of the rights of the students of the National Special Education Plan Program at Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. Furthermore, with regard to the Administrative Board, it is established that it has undertaken steps aimed at securing the execution of the second-wing construction but encountered the obstacle at the Directorate of Infrastructure of the MEP.\n\n\"Based on the foregoing, the appeal is granted insofar as it concerns the Directorate of Infrastructure, and solely to that extent.\"\n\nAlso, by means of ruling N° 2021009707, issued at 09:15 hours on May 14, 2021, the Court declared the following:\n\n\"From a simple review of the foregoing facts, it is concluded that, since 2017, the school subject to the appeal has exhibited a series of structural deficiencies that led to its being declared unfit for use — setting aside as well a series of sanitary orders, follow-up reports, and compliance measures that have proved fruitless. The MEP's inaction is such that practically all of the sanitary orders concerning improvements to the physical structure in question have gone unmet, and the respondent Ministry does not even have a remedial plan in place to address the problems affecting the teaching staff and students of the protected school.\n\nIt must be noted that the sanitary problems affecting the physical structure of the protected school are no minor matter, given that it has been declared unfit for use. Even the filing of this appeal did not motivate the administration to comply with the disputed sanitary orders.\n\nWhile the Minister of Education referenced the actions taken over the past four years, the fact of the matter is that the Ministry is only now in a position to begin designing the construction plans for the structural improvements. As the respondent authority acknowledges, resolving in 6 months a problem as serious as the one affecting the protected school is complex; however, this does not excuse 4 years of inaction, leaving them today with nothing more than approval to begin designing the construction plans. And despite the fact that the Minister of Education reported to this Court the actions being taken, she did not even arrange for communication or coordination with the Ministry of Health, which has been citing the Ministry's non-compliance since 2018. Were it not for the action of this Tribunal, there would be no administrative impetus whatsoever to guarantee the right to education and to protect the physical integrity and health of the teaching staff and students of the protected school.\n\nIn this regard, it must not be forgotten that it is the duty of the authorities of the Ministry of Education to provide — both to educators and to students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — real property, furnishings, instructional materials, etc. — necessary to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms established in article 78 of the Political Constitution, which entails the provision of a public service — free of charge and funded by the Nation. For the reasons set forth above, in protection of the fundamental rights of persons and, in this particular case, of the students and the teaching and administrative staff of the protected school, the appropriate course is to grant the appeal, in the terms that will be set forth in the operative part.\"\n\nIn the present matter, the record shows that on April 22, 2021, the Administrative Board (Junta Administrativa) of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro received a budget allocation from the Infrastructure Financing Source for Phase II of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105,658,051.00 (see certificate from the Treasurer-Accountant of the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro). Two years later, on May 18, 2023, the appellant — President of the Administrative Board — and the Principal, both of the Colegio Técnico Profesional CTP Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, requested follow-up information from the respondent Director of Educational Infrastructure of the MEP regarding the steps being taken to initiate the Tourism Module Construction Project, using the models employed by the DIE.\n\nHowever, it was not until 3 years after the budget allocation was granted — on December 2, 2024 — that the respondent Directorate of Educational Infrastructure arranged to prepare the technical feasibility report for the project at the Carlos Manuel Vicente school, a study covering background information, assessment of current conditions, and conclusions. Among those conclusions, it is notable that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure is still conducting a technical-legal assessment of the scope of the contractual object — encompassing the deficiencies from Phase I and what is required in Phase II — in accordance with reports (DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0072-2021 and DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0155-2022) prepared by the Works Development Department, which detail that: \"the contractual object specifies that the project is left at shell stage (including roof structure and cladding, baseboards, doors, and complete ceiling).\"\n\nThe record further shows that Phase II must be understood to correspond to the finishing work on the new construction, and that inconsistencies have been identified in the Project Formulation and Design relative to what was found in the works. It is also noted that the Administrative Board received the project with evident construction and electrical deficiencies, with works that did not comply with applicable regulations. It is in connection with the present appeal that the respondent authority determines that an engineer from the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure must be appointed for the purpose of assessing the structural condition of the already-constructed work and determining the scope of the works still needed at the Colegio Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro.\n\nto which it further adds that \"due to the administrative processes and procedures involved in scheduling field visits, per diems, and transportation, it was necessary to reschedule the visit to June 11 and 12.\"\n\n From the foregoing, it is clear to this Chamber that several years have elapsed since the construction project was proposed and since the Board received an appropriation in the Infrastructure Financing Source for Phase II of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105.658.051.00, without the scope of the contractual object — which already presents deficiencies from the first phase — having even been defined. The report further states that it is therefore necessary to determine what is required for the development of the next phase. In sum, the project has not advanced because the DIE has not conducted a comprehensive assessment of the structural condition of the works already constructed, has not yet determined the scope of the pending works, and has not taken the necessary measures to complete the construction of infrastructure at the educational center.\n\n In view of the foregoing, this constitutional protection writ (recurso de amparo) must be granted, in the terms set forth below.\"\n\n**IV.- Concrete Case.** In accordance with the reports submitted under oath — subject to the legal, including criminal, consequences provided for in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — it is established that the Ministry of Public Education (Ministerio de Educación Pública) maintains an active project aimed at addressing the deficiencies verified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa) at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. These deficiencies include accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom blocks (baterías sanitarias), and a generalized deterioration of the facilities. As a result, MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the educational center. Beginning in 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted to produce the technical inputs for the design phase, including: basic topographic surveys, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological test reports, a tree-felling report, and the organization of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the educational center, held on 08 February 2022. This first phase was formally accepted by the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official memorandum (oficio) DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated 22 June 2022. Subsequently, the preliminary design phase (fase de anteproyecto) commenced, in which the ideas and actual needs of the educational center arising from the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. In this phase, the buildings that will make up the new educational center were defined, as detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard works: a parents' waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), a type-5 restroom block (30 m²), a type-6 restroom block (16 m²), an administrative annex (72 m²), a wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and a standard dining hall (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works: a cultural pavilion, a civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable-water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, an asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green spaces, a complete electromechanical system, and an emergency system.\"\n\nThe second phase was formally accepted by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 March 2023. The continuation of the third phase was subsequently processed; this phase covers the preparation of construction plans and technical specifications. The third phase has been completed and was formally accepted through approval memorandum DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 December 2024. The continuation of the fourth phase was likewise processed; this phase covers the detailed budget and work schedule, with the aim of establishing the project's final cost. The fourth phase was formally accepted through official memorandum DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 December 2025. The total estimated cost for execution of the works amounts to ₡468.957.254,74. The process is currently at the stage of preparing the materials necessary to register the project in the Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN, with the aim of obtaining the corresponding project code and proceeding with the final administrative steps before the competent institutions, including the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Salud, and the Departamento de Ingeniería del Cuerpo de Bomberos.\n\nFrom the foregoing, it is clear that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure confirmed the deficiencies at the educational center and that the construction of new facilities is necessary. Nevertheless, construction has not yet taken place. For the reasons stated and reiterated by this Chamber, the amparo writ must be granted.\n\n**V.- NOTE OF MAGISTRATE SALAZAR ALVARADO.**\n\nAs a matter of principle, I hold that cases concerning the failure of the Public Administration to act (inactividad de la Administración Pública) in the repair, construction, modification, or demolition of any infrastructure work must be dismissed, since such an omission is a matter of legality whose resolution belongs to the ordinary courts (jurisdicción ordinaria), before which the interested party may argue its objections more fully. However, when such administrative inaction gives rise to a violation of other fundamental rights protected under this constitutional jurisdiction, or when it affects groups considered vulnerable, I will address the merits of the matter, as this situation constitutes an exception to my general position in this area, and as is precisely the case here, where the complaint concerns the failure to respond to a report about an infrastructure problem at Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, which places students and administrative and teaching staff at risk.\n\nVI.- PARTIAL DISSENTING VOTE (voto salvado parcial) OF MAGISTRATE GARRO VARGAS WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATIVE PART OF THIS JUDGMENT. Although I agree with the majority of the Chamber that the petition should be granted, I differ as to where the enforcement phase (fase de ejecución) of the matter should be placed, given the absence of adequate mechanisms under the rules governing this constitutional jurisdiction to monitor a judgment that involves highly complex technical matters, as is the case here, in which the required facilities of Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, are to be constructed within a period of twenty-four months from notification of this judgment. By contrast, the provisions of the Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo regarding enforcement (artículo 155 and following) offer clear advantages, such as the ability to request compliance schedules, impose fines, assign responsibilities, and oversee stages of compliance, among other things. For this reason, pursuant to artículo 56 of the Ley de Jurisdicción Constitucional, I am of the view that the enforcement phase must be conducted before the Enforcement Division (Área de Ejecución) of the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, under the judgment enforcement rules of that Code.\n\nVII.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE (expediente). The petitioning party is notified that, if it has submitted any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained in any additional device of an electronic, computing, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology nature, it must retrieve such materials from the court office within a maximum of 30 business days from notification of this judgment. Otherwise, all material not retrieved within that period will be destroyed, pursuant to the \"Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial,\" approved by the Corte Plena in session number 27-11 of 22 August 2011, artículo XXVI, and published in Boletín Judicial number 19 of 26 January 2012, as well as the agreement approved by the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial in session number 43-12 held on 3 May 2012, artículo LXXXI.\n\nPor tanto:\n\nThe petition is granted. Consequently, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, both of the Ministerio de Educación Pública, or whoever holds those positions, are ordered to take the steps necessary to ensure that, within twenty-four months from notification of this judgment, the facilities required by Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, are constructed. Notice is given that, pursuant to artículo 71 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, imprisonment of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on any person who receives and fails to comply with or enforce an order issued in an amparo writ (recurso de amparo), provided that the offense is not subject to a more severe penalty. The State is condemned to pay the court costs (costas), damages, and losses (daños y perjuicios) arising from the facts underlying this declaration, to be assessed in the enforcement of the administrative court judgment. Magistrate Salazar Alvarado appends a separate note. Magistrate Garro Vargas files a dissenting vote with respect to the enforcement of this judgment and, pursuant to artículo 56 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, rules that enforcement must be conducted before the Enforcement Division of the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, under the enforcement rules set forth in artículos 155 and following of the Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo.\n\nIt likewise orders that a copy of the judgment be sent so that the proceedings for enforcement of this ruling may be initiated.\n\n| | | |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| | Fernando Castillo V. President | |\n| Fernando Cruz C. | | |\n\nThe chunk you have provided contains no Spanish legal text to translate. The content is raw HTML source code consisting almost entirely of base64-encoded JPEG image data (the long `/9j/4AAQSkZJRgAB…` strings inside `![](\"data:image/jpeg;base64,…\")
` attributes), interspersed with HTML table and paragraph tags. The only human-readable text present is the name \"Paul Rueda L.\" in a subscript span.\n\nThere is nothing here to translate. Please paste the actual Spanish prose — the article text, recitals, operative clauses, or table cells — and I will translate it according to the instructions.\n\nLuis Fdo.\n\nSalazar A.\n\n[signature image]\nJorge Araya G.\n\n[signature image]\nAnamari Garro V.\n\n[signature image]\n\nIngrid Hess H.\n\nDigitally Signed Document\n\n-- Verification Code --\n\n 9KZPZEPF8RU61\n\nEXPEDIENTE N° 26-011488-0007-CO\n\nTelephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482).\n\nFax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Website: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Sabana Sur, Calle Morenos, 100 mts. south of the Perpetuo Socorro church).\n\n015528-26. EDUCATION. THE ASOCIACIÓN DE DESARROLLO INDÍGENA CABÉCAR DE TALAMANCA ALLEGES DETERIORATION, LACK OF ACCESSIBILITY, AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS AT THE ESCUELA EL PROGRESO. THE PETITION IS UPHELD AND MEP IS ORDERED TO CONSTRUCT THE NEW FACILITIES WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS, GIVEN CONFIRMED PROLONGED INACTIVITY ON THE PROJECT. VCG06/2026\n\n\"(…) III. ON THE MERITS. Having considered a situation similar to the one presented in this amparo petition (recurso de amparo), this Court ruled in judgment number 2025020525 of nine hours and twenty minutes of the fourth of July of two thousand twenty-five, in the following terms:\n\n\"III. ON THE MERITS. The Constitutional Court has stated, repeatedly, that it is the duty of MEP authorities to provide — to both educators and students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — buildings, furnishings, teaching materials, etc. — to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms established in article 78 of the Political Constitution, which entails the provision of a free public service funded by the Nation (see judgment No. 2021005847 of 09:15 hours of March 19, 2021). This is why, in judgment No. 2022018599 of 09:05 hours of August 12, 2022, the Court ruled as follows:\n\n\"...After analyzing the evidentiary elements submitted, this Tribunal confirms the violation of the fundamental rights of the students of the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas.\n\nNow, from the report filed by the representatives of the recurred authorities — which is treated as having been given under oath with the consequences, including criminal ones, provided in Art. 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — and the evidence submitted for the resolution of this matter, it has been duly confirmed that the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas, currently has a total enrollment of 292 students, taking into account preschool education and Cycles I and II for the year 2022. Likewise, 2nd grade has 45 students, male and female, and 4th grade has a total of 41 students, for a combined total of 86. It is verified that the school has 04 restroom units (baterías sanitarias), 03 in fair condition and 01 with minor damage. In addition, the beams in one Cycles I and II classroom, one preschool classroom, and the administrative office are damaged by termites. Likewise, the awning used as a cafeteria is no longer serviceable and is in very poor condition. Furthermore, it is confirmed that on June 23, 2022, parents and students held a strike over a shortage of teaching positions and the school's poor infrastructure. That same day, the regional director appeared on site and contacted the then-director of the DIE, who committed to a virtual meeting for June 29, 2022, which was attended by Carlos Villalobos, deputy director of the DIE, and Héctor Mendoza, the assigned engineer. It is verified that, according to official memorandum No. DVM-A-DIE-DM-F-0627-2022, dated July 7, 2022, issued by MEP's Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa), a palliative minor maintenance project is being processed to address several specific deficiencies at the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano. A project for the complete construction of new facilities for the school is currently underway, and the final construction blueprints (planos constructivos) and environmental clearance (viabilidad ambiental) have already been completed. Furthermore, the blueprints are in the process of being approved through the APC system of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos.\n\nIt should be noted that, while there are actions aimed at finding a solution to the problem reported by the students' parents, the fact remains that, as of the date this amparo was filed, both the palliative works and the substantive works needed for infrastructure and equipment improvements at the school are still in the analysis and planning phase. This is further evidenced by the fact that, as reported under oath by the director of MEP's Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, the new school facilities project is contingent on having the 2023 budget available and, depending on financial availability, will begin with the first stage of the most essential works. As a result, the student population has had to use the current buildings — in poor condition — to maintain continuity of the educational process; however, this decision carries a high risk that certain infrastructure may collapse and endanger the physical safety of students.\n\nIn other words, even though it is evident that MEP has been aware of the infrastructure improvement needs of the Escuela de San Isidro since before this amparo was filed, the recurred authorities have been permissive regarding this situation and slow in providing a solution. Moreover, it is confirmed that the Maintenance Department of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure has projected the construction of a new building, but no estimated date has yet been set for carrying out the works.\"\n\nTo this may be added what was stated in judgment No. 2021013845 of 09:15 hours of June 18, 2021, namely:\n\n\"In this case, the petitioners claim that MEP has not continued with the second stage of the construction project of the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial of the Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. They add that MEP's Directorate of Educational Infrastructure must assign an engineer to continue the project. In accordance with the reports given under oath with the consequences, including criminal ones, provided in Art. 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction, it is confirmed that, in fact, on June 19, 2012, a request was submitted to the Comisión Técnica Especializada Ley 8283 of MEP for the construction of a physical facility for the Special Education service for Cycles III and Diversified Vocational, to accommodate 125 students at the Liceo San Miguel. According to Architect Magaly Alvarado of MOPT, the project was budgeted at ¢356.400.000 for the entire project. Due to budgetary availability under Ley 8283 and to serve all schools with Cycles III and Diversified Vocational services, resources are allocated in construction stages. Once the commission authorizes the amount for the first stage, it is transferred to the then-DIEE. The case is processed under the standard procedure, being transferred to the Contracting Department on November 20, 2013, with the contractual scope of work (objeto contractual): construction of 1 detached classroom and 4 attached classrooms, 1 computer lab, a covered walkway, 1 restroom block, and electromechanical connections, for an amount of ¢104.200.785,67, with Engineer Eric López Castellón as the responsible external professional. With proper authorization from the DIEE, through the contested direct contracting procedure, the works were carried out and a liquidation report was requested via email on October 15, 2015, sent by the Ley 8283 Commission coordinator. Subsequently, on October 10, 2016, the Ley 8283 Commission, given budgetary availability, approved a second amount of ¢100 millones in favor of the school. The DIE is in fact in the process of finalizing its adaptation following the restructuring mentioned in the petition filing, and an official project manager will be designated in due course to continue the case, through the Programming and Monitoring Department. On the other hand, it is confirmed that budgetary availability exists through the Ley 8283 Commission to deposit the pending ¢152.200.000 to complete the totality of the requested works, following an updated analysis of existing infrastructure. A visit to the school is currently pending, so that, together with the school's director and the coordinator of Cycles III and Diversified Vocational of the institution, an analysis can be carried out of the conditions of the infrastructure currently in use, the updated enrollment, and the needs arising from the curriculum, taking into account a projected enrollment for the next three years. From the foregoing, it is clear that it is not lack of budgetary availability that has limited continuation of the project, but rather the inactivity of MEP's Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, which openly contradicts the efficiency and effectiveness that must prevail in state action. Although the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure underwent a restructuring, MEP's administrative authorities should have, in the meantime, taken the necessary steps to ensure that infrastructure projects such as the one at issue in this amparo were not halted. It is the duty of this Tribunal to ensure the restoration of the rights of the students of the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial of the Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. On the other hand, regarding the Administrative Board (Junta Administrativa), it is confirmed that it has taken steps aimed at ensuring the second wing construction is carried out, but encountered a limitation at MEP's Directorate of Infrastructure. In light of the foregoing, the petition is upheld solely with respect to the Directorate of Infrastructure.\"\n\nLikewise, by judgment No. 2021009707 of 09:15 hours of May 14, 2021, the Court ruled as follows:\n\n\"From a simple analysis of the foregoing facts, it is concluded that, since 2017, the school in question has presented a series of structural deficiencies that led to its being declared unfit for use (declaratoria de inhabilitada), alongside a series of health measures and monitoring and compliance reports that have proven fruitless. The inertia of MEP is such that practically all the health measures regarding the structural improvements of concern have not been complied with, and no remedial plan on the part of the recurred Ministry even exists to address the problems affecting the teaching staff and student body of the protected school.\n\nIt should be noted that the sanitary problems affecting the physical structure of the protected school are not a minor matter, as it has been declared unfit for use. Not even the filing of this petition motivated the administration to comply with the health orders in dispute.\n\nWhile the Minister of Education made reference to the actions taken over the past four years, the fact of the matter is that she is only prepared to begin designing the construction blueprints for the structural improvements. As the recurred authority indicates, it is complex to resolve in 6 months a problem such as the one affecting the protected school; however, this does not excuse four years of inertia, resulting in today having only the approval to begin designing the construction blueprints. And, despite the fact that the Minister of Education informed this Court of the actions that would be taken, she did not even arrange for communication or coordination with the Ministry of Health, which has been pointing out her non-compliance since 2018. Were it not for the action of this Tribunal, there would be no administrative momentum whatsoever to guarantee the right to education and to protect the integrity and health of the teaching and student body of the protected school.\n\nIn this regard, it must not be forgotten that it is the duty of Ministry of Education authorities to provide — to both educators and students — the minimum infrastructure conditions — buildings, furnishings, teaching materials, etc. — to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms established in article 78 of the Political Constitution, which entails the provision of a public service — free of charge and funded by the Nation. For the reasons stated, in protection of the fundamental rights of persons, and in this particular case of the students and the teaching and administrative staff of the protected school, the appropriate course of action is to uphold the petition, in the terms that will be set out in the operative part.\"\n\nIn the present matter, it appears on the record that, on April 22, 2021, the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro received a budget allocation (partida) from the Infrastructure Financing Source (Fuente de Financiamiento Infraestructura) for the second stage of the Plan Nacional project, in the amount of ¢105.658.051,00 (see certification from the Treasurer-Accountant of the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro). Two years later, on May 18, 2023, the petitioner — President of the Administrative Board — and the Director, both of the Colegio Técnico Profesional CTP Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, asked the recurred Director of MEP's Directorate of Educational Infrastructure for follow-up information regarding the steps taken to begin the Construction Project for the Tourism Module, using the models employed by the DIE.\n\nHowever, it was not until 3 years after the budget allocation was granted that, on December 2, 2024, the recurred Directorate of Educational Infrastructure decided to prepare the technical feasibility report for the Carlos Manuel Vicente school project, a study comprising background information, assessment of current conditions, and conclusions. Among these conclusions, it stands out that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure is still carrying out a technical-legal assessment of the contractual scope of work, which addresses the first-stage deficiencies and what is required in the second stage, in accordance with reports (DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0072-2021 and DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0155-2022), prepared by the Works Development Department, which state that: \"the contractual scope of work specifies that the project is delivered as shell construction (obra gris) (including roof structure and cladding, baseboards, doors, and complete ceilings).\"\n\nIt further appears on the record that it must be assumed that the second stage corresponds to the finishes of the new construction, and inconsistencies in the formulation and design of the project are noted with respect to what was found in the work. It is also noted that the Administrative Board received the project with evident deficiencies at the construction and electrical level, with works that failed to comply with applicable regulations. It is on the occasion of this petition that the recurred authority decides that an engineer of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure must be appointed to assess the structural condition of the already-constructed work and to determine the scope of the remaining works needed at the Colegio Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro. To which it adds that \"due to administrative procedures related to scheduling of field trips, per diems, and transportation, it was necessary to reschedule the visit to June 11 and 12.\"\n\nFrom the foregoing, it is clear to this Court that several years have passed since the construction project was proposed and since the Administrative Board received the budget allocation from the Infrastructure Financing Source for the second stage of the Plan Nacional project, in the amount of ¢105.658.051,00, without even the contractual scope of work — which presents first-stage deficiencies — having been defined. The report also states that it is therefore necessary to determine what is required for the development of the next stage. In sum, the project has not advanced because the DIE has not carried out a comprehensive assessment of the structural condition of the already-constructed work and has not yet determined the scope of the pending works; nor has it taken the necessary steps to complete the construction of infrastructure at the school.\n\nGiven the foregoing, it is appropriate to uphold this amparo petition, in the terms that will be stated.\"\n\nIV. Concrete Case. In accordance with the reports given under oath with the legal consequences, including criminal ones, provided in Art. 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction, it is confirmed that MEP maintains an active project through which it seeks to address the deficiencies verified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure at the Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, among which stand out accessibility problems in accordance with Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom units, and widespread deterioration of the facilities. As a result, MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the school. Since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted for the preparation of the technical inputs for the design stage, such as: basic topographic survey (levantamiento topográfico) studies, geotechnical studies (estudios geotécnicos), a diagnostic report, bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop (taller participativo) with parents and school users, an activity carried out on February 8, 2022. This first stage was received as satisfactory by the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated June 22, 2022. Subsequently, the preliminary design phase (anteproyecto) was initiated, in which the ideas and actual needs of the school arising from the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. In this phase, the buildings that will make up the new school are defined, as detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard works: parents' waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), Type 5 restroom unit (30 m²), Type 6 restroom unit (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard cafeteria (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works: one cultural rancho, one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, one flagpole, and one elevated potable water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green areas, complete electromechanical system, and emergency system.\"\n\nThe second stage was received as satisfactory by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated March 9, 2023. Subsequently, the continuation of the third stage was processed, corresponding to the preparation of construction blueprints and technical specifications; this 3rd stage is now complete and was received as satisfactory through approval memorandum DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated December 10, 2024. The continuation of the fourth stage was then processed, corresponding to the detailed budget and work schedule, in order to establish the final cost of the project. This 4th stage was received as satisfactory through official memorandum DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated December 8, 2025. The total estimated cost for execution of the works amounts to ¢468.957.254,74. The process is currently in the stage of preparing the necessary inputs for registering the project in MIDEPLAN's Project Bank, with the objective of generating the corresponding code and proceeding with the final formalities before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, and the Fire Department's Engineering Department.\n\nFrom the foregoing, it is clearly concluded that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure confirmed the deficiencies at the school, making construction of new facilities necessary. However, construction has not yet begun. Based on the reasons stated and reiterated by this Court, the amparo petition must be upheld. (…)\"\n\nV. SEPARATE NOTE FROM JUSTICE SALAZAR ALVARADO. As a matter of principle, I consider that cases related to the inactivity of the Public Administration in the repair, construction, modification, or demolition of any infrastructure work should be dismissed, as such omission constitutes a matter of legality, the resolution of which falls within ordinary jurisdiction, before which the interested party may debate their disagreements with greater latitude. However, when that administrative omission gives rise to a violation of other fundamental rights protected under this constitutional jurisdiction, or when vulnerable groups are affected, I do proceed to consider the merits, as this situation constitutes an exception to my position on this subject — as is the case here, where the complaint concerns the lack of response to a grievance about an infrastructure problem at the Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, which puts the students and the administrative and teaching staff at risk.\n\nVCG06/2026\n\nVI.- PARTIAL DISSENTING VOTE OF JUSTICE GARRO VARGAS REGARDING THE OPERATIVE PART OF THIS JUDGMENT. While I agree with the majority of the Chamber that the petition should be granted, I differ as to where the enforcement phase (fase de ejecución) of the matter should be lodged, owing to the absence of adequate mechanisms provided by the legal framework governing this constitutional jurisdiction to oversee a judgment that involves technical aspects of great complexity — specifically, the requirement that the facilities needed by Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, be built within a period of twenty-four months counted from notification of this judgment. By contrast, the enforcement provisions of the Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo — Article 155 et seq. — offer clear advantages, such as the ability to request construction schedules, impose fines, assign accountability, and oversee compliance at each stage, among others. For that reason, and in accordance with Article 56 of the Ley de Jurisdicción Constitucional, I am of the view that the enforcement phase should be conducted before the Área de Ejecución del Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, under that Code's rules governing enforcement of judgments.\n\nVCG06/2026\n\n---\n\nExp: 26-011488-0007-CO\nRes. Nº 2026015528\n\nSALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes on the thirtieth of April of two thousand twenty-six.\n\nAmparo petition (recurso de amparo) filed by [Nombre 001], national identity number [Valor 001], President of the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Reserva Indígena Cabécar de Talamanca, legal entity number [Valor 002], against the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\n1.- By a written submission added to this case file on April 1, 2026, the petitioner alleged, in summary, that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He states that Cabécar indigenous children from the El Progreso de Talamanca community attend that school. He notes that the school's infrastructure (infraestructura) is in such poor condition that MEP itself decided, well before 2020, to build a new structure. He states that on March 23, 2024, officials from the Ministerio de Salud conducted an inspection in which they found: 1. LEY 7600: No accessibility facilities are available. 2. URINALS: The water supply is not adequate. 3. OPEN-AIR SHELTER: Classes are taught in an open-air shelter because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water gets in and the shelter has termite damage. 4. CLASSROOM: Built in a rudimentary manner, on stilts approximately 50 centimeters above the ground. 5. IN THE KITCHEN: Ceramic floor tiles and an exhaust hood are missing; there is no proper stove — only a gas burner plate; sink wastewater is not treated; there is no documented pest control plan; the wood-burning stove lacks a chimney (among other deficiencies). He states that none of the foregoing has been corrected and that, on the contrary, two years later the building is in worse condition. He states that on March 18, 2026, the school's principal consulted MEP about the progress of the project and received the following response: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget submitted for DIE review. o Plan approvals and endorsements at the Colegio de Ingenieros, to begin once DIE approves the detailed budget.\" He asserts that, assuming that is true, all that has been accomplished in at least 6 years is the designs (which are not the blueprints) and the budget breakdown (which has not even been reviewed). For the foregoing reasons, he requests the Chamber's intervention in this matter.\n\n2.- By a resolution issued at nine hours and twenty-two minutes on the fourteenth of April of two thousand twenty-six, the proceedings were admitted.\n\n3.- By a written submission added to this case file on April 22, 2026, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, both of the Ministerio de Educación Pública, filed the required report. They stated the following:\n\n\"Regarding the facts alleged by the petitioner, the following is reported: SOLE ITEM: Through report DVM-A-DIE-DDO-0117-2026, signed by Arch. Lesny Vargas Vargas and Arch. Geovanny Rodríguez Santamaría, officials of the Construction Development Department of this Directorate, which sets out the current status of the case of interest:\n\n…It is important to note that this matter corresponds to a project aimed at addressing deficiencies identified by officials of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, including accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom facilities (baterías sanitarias), and a widespread deterioration of the facilities. Given the foregoing, the need to undertake a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the school was determined.\n\nAdditionally, it is noted that since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. was contracted to produce the technical inputs for the design phase, including: basic topographic survey studies, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the school, an activity carried out on February 8, 2022. This first phase received formal acceptance by the professional reviewers of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated June 22, 2022.\n\nSubsequently, the preliminary design phase (anteproyecto) began, in which the real ideas and needs of the school derived from the preliminary studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form.\n\n...that will make up the new educational center, which are detailed below:\n\n• Standard-design works (obras tipo): a parent waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), a type-5 restroom block (batería sanitaria tipo 5) (30 m²), a type-6 restroom block (16 m²), an administrative wing extension (72 m²), a wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and a standard-design cafeteria (72 m²).\n• Non-standard-design works (obras no tipo): a cultural pavilion, a civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable water tank.\n• Complementary works (obras complementarias): sidewalks, an asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green spaces, a complete electromechanical system, and an emergency system.\n\nThe second phase was accepted as satisfactory by the professionals of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 de marzo de 2023. Subsequently, continuation of the third phase was arranged, corresponding to the preparation of construction drawings and technical specifications; this 3rd phase has already been completed and was accepted as satisfactory through approval communication DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 de diciembre de 2024. Likewise, continuation of the fourth phase was processed, corresponding to the detailed budget and scheduling of the works, in order to establish the final cost of the project. This 4th phase was accepted as satisfactory through official communication DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 de diciembre de 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the work comes to ₡468.957.254,74.\n\nThe process is currently in the phase of preparing the inputs required for registration of the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Bank, with the aim of generating the corresponding project code and proceeding with the final filings before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Salud, and the Engineering Department of the Cuerpo de Bomberos. It is important to clarify that every public infrastructure investment project requires the unavoidable time necessary to define, formulate, and finance it, in addition to the period covering the administrative procurement (contratación administrativa) phase or phases, whose timelines are established by law. Finally, its execution is subject to and conditioned on the budgetary availability determined by the higher authorities together with the resource transfers coming from the Ministerio de Hacienda. Additionally, a project schedule in accordance with the project's life cycle is attached hereto.\n\n[…]\n\nBased on the foregoing and on expert professional judgment, it can be estimated that addressing the case at hand will require an additional period of at least 68 weeks, that is, 476 calendar days, with completion estimated at approximately September 2027. It is therefore considered critically important that the Chamber appropriately evaluate and weigh the timelines set out in the schedules presented. Finally, it is noted that institutional efforts are directed at serving the student community in the shortest time possible, while at the same time ensuring the continuity of the educational services provided to the children of the community… For the foregoing reasons, and on the basis of the considerations developed in this report, this institution respectfully requests that the Honorable Sala Constitucional dismiss the amparo appeal (recurso de amparo) filed.\"\n\nDrafted by Justice Cruz Castro; and,\n\n**Considering:**\n\n**I.- SUBJECT MATTER.** The petitioner alleged that Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, is located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca. He states that indigenous Cabécar children from the community of El Progreso de Talamanca attend that school. He notes that the school's infrastructure is in such poor condition that the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) itself decided, well before 2020, to construct a new building. He states that on 23 de marzo de 2024, officials from the Ministerio de Salud conducted an inspection in which they found the following: 1. LEY 7600: There are no accessibility facilities. 2. URINALS: Water availability is not adequate. 3. OPEN SHELTER: Classes are held in an open shelter because there is no other classroom available; when it rains, water gets inside and there is termite infestation. 4. CLASSROOM: It was built using informal construction methods, on posts approximately 50 centimeters above ground level. 5. IN THE KITCHEN: Ceramic tile is missing from the kitchen floor and there is no exhaust hood; there is no proper stove, as only a gas burner plate is available; wastewater from the hand-washing sink is not treated; there is no documented pest control plan; a chimney is missing from the wood-burning stove (among other deficiencies). He states that none of the foregoing has been corrected and that, on the contrary, two years later the building is in worse condition. He states that on 18 de marzo de 2026, the school's principal asked MEP about the project's progress and received the following response: \"The current status is as follows: o Final designs approved by DIE. o Detailed budget submitted for DIE review. o Filings and plan endorsements with the Colegio de Ingenieros, to be initiated once the detailed budget is approved by DIE.\" He argues that, assuming this to be accurate, all that has been accomplished in at least 6 years are the designs (which are not the construction drawings) and the budget breakdown (which has not even been reviewed). For the foregoing reasons, he requests the Chamber's intervention in this matter.\n\n**II.- ESTABLISHED FACTS.**\n\nOf importance to the resolution of this matter, the following facts are deemed duly established:\n\n**1)** The Ministry of Public Education (Ministerio de Educación Pública, MEP) maintains an active project aimed at addressing the deficiencies identified by officials of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa) at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, among which the most notable are: accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom facilities (baterías sanitarias), and a generalized deterioration of the premises (submitted report).\n\n**2)** As a result, MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the educational center (submitted report).\n\n**3)** Since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A. has been contracted to produce the technical inputs corresponding to the design phase, including: basic topographic survey studies, geotechnical studies, a diagnostic report, bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop with parents and users of the educational center, an activity carried out on 08 February 2022 (submitted report).\n\n**4)** This first phase has received formal acceptance (recibido conforme) from the reviewing professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure, through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated 22 June 2022 (submitted report).\n\n**5)** Subsequently, the preliminary design phase (anteproyecto) commenced, in which the ideas and actual needs of the educational center emerging from the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. This phase defined the buildings that would make up the new educational center, which are detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard-type works (obras tipo): parent waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), type 5 restroom facility block (30 m²), type 6 restroom facility block (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-fired kitchen (24 m²), and standard cafeteria (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works (obras no tipo): one cultural pavilion (rancho cultural), one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated drinking-water tank.\n\n• Complementary works: sidewalks, an asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green areas, a complete electromechanical system, and an emergency system\" (submitted report).\n\n**6)** The second phase was accepted as satisfactory by the professionals of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure through official memorandum DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 March 2023 (submitted report).\n\n**7)** Subsequently, continuation of the third phase was arranged, corresponding to the preparation of construction drawings and technical specifications; this 3rd phase has been completed and was accepted as satisfactory through approval memorandum DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 December 2024 (submitted report).\n\n**8)** Continuation of the fourth phase was also processed, corresponding to the detailed budget and work scheduling, for the purpose of establishing the final cost of the project. This 4th phase was accepted as satisfactory through official memorandum DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 December 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the works is ₡468.957.254,74 (submitted report).\n\n**9)** Currently, the process is at the stage of preparing the inputs required for registering the project in the MIDEPLAN Project Bank (Banco de Proyectos de MIDEPLAN), with the aim of generating the corresponding code and proceeding with the final formalities before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), and the Engineering Department of the Fire Department (Departamento de Ingeniería del Cuerpo de Bomberos) (submitted report).\n\n **III.- ON THE MERITS.** When considering a situation similar to the one raised in this constitutional protection action (amparo), this Court ruled in judgment No. 2025020525 issued at nine hours and twenty minutes on the fourth of July, two thousand twenty-five, in the following terms:\n\n\"**III.- ON THE MERITS.** The Constitutional Court (Sala Constitucional) has repeatedly held that it is the duty of MEP authorities to provide — to educators and students alike — the minimum infrastructure conditions — premises, furniture, teaching materials, etc. — necessary to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, as set forth in Article 78 of the Political Constitution (Constitución Política), which entails the delivery of a free public service funded by the Nation (see judgment No. 2021005847 issued at 09:15 hours on 19 March 2021).\n\nThis is the reason why, in ruling N° 2022018599 of 09:05 hours on August 12, 2022, the Chamber ordered the following:\n\n\"...After analyzing the evidentiary elements submitted, this Tribunal certifies the violation of the fundamental rights of the students at the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas.\n\nFrom the report filed by the representatives of the respondent authorities — treated as given under oath, with the consequences, including criminal penalties, provided in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction — and from the evidence submitted for resolution of the matter, it has been duly established that the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano, Puntarenas, currently has a total enrollment (matrícula) of 292 students, counting preschool and Cycles I and II for the year 2022. Likewise, 2nd grade has 45 male and female students, and 4th grade has 41 students, for a combined total of 86. It is verified that the educational center has 04 restrooms, 03 in fair condition and 01 with minor damage. In addition, the beams in a Cycles I and II classroom, in a preschool classroom, and in the administrative office are damaged by termites (comején). Likewise, the canopy used as a school cafeteria is no longer serviceable and is in very poor condition. Furthermore, it is on record that on June 23, 2022, parents and students staged a strike over a shortage of authorized teaching positions (códigos) and the poor physical infrastructure (infraestructura) of the educational center. That same day, the regional director appeared on site and contacted the then-director of the DIE, who committed to a virtual meeting on June 29, 2022, which was attended by Carlos Villalobos, deputy director of the DIE, and Héctor Mendoza, the assigned engineer. It is verified that, according to official memorandum N° DVM-A-DIE-DM-F-0627-2022 dated July 7, 2022, issued by the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa of MEP, an urgent palliative minor maintenance project is being processed to address several specific deficiencies at the facilities of the Escuela de San Isidro de Cóbano. At present, a full construction project for entirely new facilities for the educational center is under way; it already has finalized construction plans and environmental clearance (viabilidad ambiental). The plans are also in the process of approval before the APC system of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos.\n\nIt should be noted that, while actions aimed at finding a solution to the problems reported by the parents of the students are apparent, the fact is that, as of the date this constitutional protection petition (amparo) was filed, both the palliative works and the substantive works required to improve the infrastructure and equipment of the educational center are still in the analysis and planning phase. Indeed, as the director of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa of the Ministerio de Educación Pública reports under oath, the new educational facilities project is contingent on having the 2023 budget in place, and — depending on financial availability — will begin with the first phase, consisting of the most essential works. As a result, the student population of the educational center has had to use the current buildings — which are in poor condition — to maintain continuity of the educational process; however, this decision carries a high risk that certain infrastructure may collapse and could harm the physical integrity of the students.\n\nIn other words, even though it is evident that the Ministerio de Educación Pública has long been aware of the infrastructure improvement needs at the Escuela de San Isidro, predating the filing of this amparo, the respondent authorities have been permissive with this situation and slow to address it. Furthermore, it is established that the Maintenance Department of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa has a new building project planned, but no estimated date has yet been provided for execution of the works.\"\n\nTo this may be added what was stated in ruling Nº 2021013845 of 09:15 hours on June 18, 2021, namely:\n\n\"In the case at hand (sub examine), the petitioners claim that the Ministerio de Educación Pública has not continued with the second phase of the construction project under the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial at the Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. They add that the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa of the Ministerio de Educación Pública must assign an engineer to continue with the project. In accordance with the reports rendered under oath, with the consequences, including criminal penalties, provided in article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction —, it is established that on June 19, 2012, a request for the construction of physical facilities for the Special Education Service for Cycle III and the Diversified Vocational Cycle, to accommodate 125 students at the Liceo San Miguel, was submitted to the Comisión Técnica Especializada Ley 8283 of MEP. The project, according to Arq.\n\nMagaly Alvarado of MOPT, estimated at ¢356.400.000 for the total project. Because of budgetary constraints under Ley 8283, and because the project encompasses all educational centers offering Third Cycle (III Ciclo) and Diversified Vocational Cycle (Ciclo Diversificado Vocacional) services, the resources are allocated in construction phases. Once the commission authorizes the amount for the first phase, it is transferred to the then-DIEE. The matter is handled through the standard procedure and forwarded to the Procurement Department on November 20, 2013, with the following scope of work: construction of 1 standalone classroom and 4 attached classrooms, 1 computer lab, a covered walkway, 1 restroom block (batería de servicios sanitarios), and electromechanical connections (acometidas electromecánicas), at a total cost of ¢ 104.200.785, 67, with Ing. Eric López Castellón as the responsible external professional. With DIEE's proper authorization, the work is carried out through competitive direct procurement (contratación directa concursada), and on October 15, 2015, the coordinator of the Comisión Ley 8283 requests via email a project completion report (informe de liquidación). Subsequently, on October 10, 2016, the Comisión Ley 8283, on the basis of budgetary availability, approves a second allocation of ¢ 100 millones in favor of the educational center. DIE is in fact in the process of completing its adaptation following the restructuring described in the filing of the petition, and an official case manager will be formally designated by the Planning and Monitoring Department to carry the matter forward in a timely and orderly manner. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the Comisión Ley 8283 has budgetary availability to deposit the outstanding ¢152.200.000 needed to complete all of the requested works, subject to an updated assessment of the existing infrastructure. At this time, a site visit to the educational center is pending so that, together with the school principal and the coordinator of the institution's Third Cycle and Diversified Vocational Cycle, an assessment may be conducted of the current condition of the infrastructure in use, the updated enrollment figures, and the institution's needs according to the curriculum framework (malla curricular), taking into account an enrollment projection for the next three years. What has been set forth makes clear that it is not a lack of budgetary availability that has held back continuation of the project, but rather the inaction of the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Education, which openly contradicts the principles of efficiency and effectiveness that must govern state conduct. While the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Education underwent a restructuring, the administrative authorities of the Ministry of Public Education were required in the meantime to take whatever measures were necessary to prevent infrastructure projects such as the one at issue in this constitutional rights petition (amparo) from being brought to a halt. It is this Tribunal's duty to ensure the restoration of the rights of the students in the Programa Plan Nacional de Educación Especial at the Liceo San Miguel de Desamparados. Furthermore, as regards the Administrative Board (Junta Administrativa), it is confirmed that the Board took steps aimed at securing execution of the second wing construction but encountered the obstacle at MEP's Directorate of Infrastructure. In light of the foregoing, the petition is granted solely insofar as it pertains to the Directorate of Infrastructure.\"\n\nLikewise, by judgment N° 2021009707 of 09:15 hours on May 14, 2021, the Chamber ruled as follows:\n\n\"From a straightforward review of the foregoing facts, it is concluded that since 2017, the respondent school has presented a series of structural deficiencies that have led to its declaration as unfit for use (declaratoria de inhabilitada), alongside a series of health and safety orders (medidas sanitarias) and monitoring and compliance reports that have proven fruitless. MEP's inaction is such that virtually all of the health and safety orders regarding the structural improvements of concern have gone unimplemented, and the respondent Ministry has not even developed a remedial plan (plan remedial) to address the problems afflicting the teaching and student body of the school under protection.\n\nIt should be noted that the health and safety problems affecting the physical structure of the protected school are by no means minor, given that it has been declared unfit for use. Not even the filing of this petition prompted the administration to comply with the disputed health and safety orders.\n\nWhile the Minister of Education made reference to actions taken over the past four years, the fact of the matter is that they are only now prepared to begin designing the construction plans for the structural improvements. As the respondent authority acknowledges, resolving in 6 months a problem as serious as the one affecting the protected educational center is complex; however, this does not excuse 4 years of inaction that leaves things today with nothing more than approval to begin designing the construction plans. And despite the fact that the Minister of Education informed this Chamber of the actions that would be taken, she did not even arrange for communication with, or coordination with, the Ministry of Health, which since 2018 has been noting her ministry's non-compliance.\n\n*Were it not for the action of this Court, there would be no administrative impetus whatsoever to guarantee the right to education, or to protect the integrity and health of the teaching staff and student body of the protected educational institution.*\n\n*In this regard, it must not be forgotten that it is the duty of the authorities of the Ministry of Education to provide—both to educators and to students alike—the minimum infrastructure conditions—buildings, furnishings, instructional materials, etc.—necessary to guarantee protection of the fundamental right to public education, under the terms established in Article 78 of the Political Constitution, which entails the provision of a public service—free of charge and funded by the Nation. For the reasons set forth above, and in protection of the fundamental rights of individuals, and in this particular case, of the students and of the teaching and administrative staff of the protected educational institution, the appropriate course of action is to grant the writ, in the terms to be stated in the operative section (parte dispositiva).\"*\n\n*In the present matter, the record shows that, on April 22, 2021, the Administrative Board (Junta Administrativa) of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro received a budget allocation (partida) from the Infrastructure Financing Source (Fuente de Financiamiento Infraestructura) for Phase II of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105.658.051.00 (see certificate from the Treasurer-Accountant of the Administrative Board of the Colegio Técnico Profesional Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro). Two years later, on May 18, 2023, the petitioner President of the Administrative Board and the Director, both of the Colegio Técnico Profesional CTP Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro, requested status-update information from the respondent Director of Educational Infrastructure of the MEP regarding the steps being taken to initiate the Construction Project for the Tourism Module, using the templates employed by the DIE.*\n\n*However, it was not until 3 years after the budget allocation had been granted—on December 2, 2024—that the respondent Directorate of Educational Infrastructure (Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, DIE) ordered the preparation of a technical feasibility report for the project at the Carlos Manuel Vicente educational institution, a study encompassing the background, an assessment of the current status, and conclusions. Among the latter, it is notable that the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure is still conducting a technical-legal assessment of the scope of the contractual object (objeto contractual), which addresses the deficiencies from Phase I and the requirements for Phase II, pursuant to reports DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0072-2021 and DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UF-0155-2022, prepared by the Construction Development Department (Departamento de Desarrollo de Obra), which specify that: \"the contractual object details that the project remains at the shell construction stage (obra gris) (including roof structure and covering, baseboards, doors, and complete ceiling).\"*\n\n*The record further shows that it must be assumed that Phase II corresponds to the finish work on the new construction, and that inconsistencies have been identified in the Project Formulation and Design with respect to what was found on-site. It is also noted that the Administrative Board received the project with evident construction and electrical deficiencies, including works that did not comply with applicable regulations. It is on the occasion of this proceeding that the respondent authority orders that an engineer from the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure be appointed to assess the structural condition of the work already built and to determine the scope of the outstanding works required at the Colegio Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro. The authority adds that \"due to administrative processes and procedures relating to the scheduling of field visits, per diems, and transportation, it was necessary to reschedule the visit for June 11 and 12.\"*\n\n*From the foregoing, it is clear to this Chamber that several years have passed since the construction project was first proposed and since the Board received a budget allocation from the Infrastructure Financing Source for Phase II of the National Plan project, in the amount of ₡105.658.051.00, without even the scope of the contractual object having been defined—a contractual object that already presents deficiencies from Phase I. The report further indicates that it is therefore necessary to determine what is required for the development of the next phase. In sum, the project has not advanced because the DIE has not conducted a comprehensive assessment of the structural condition of the work already built and has still not determined the scope of the outstanding works; nor has it taken the necessary steps to complete the infrastructure construction at the educational institution.*\n\n*In light of the above, it is appropriate to grant this writ of amparo (recurso de amparo), in the terms to be stated.\"*\n\n**IV.- Specific Case.** Based on the sworn reports—carrying the legal, and even criminal, consequences provided under Article 44 of the Law governing this Jurisdiction—it is established that the Ministry of Public Education (Ministerio de Educación Pública, MEP) has an active project intended to address the instances of non-compliance identified by officials from the Directorate of Educational Infrastructure at Escuela El Progreso, code 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, which include accessibility problems under Ley 7600, deficiencies in the restroom facilities (baterías sanitarias), and a general deterioration of the installations. As a result, the MEP determined the need to develop a project for the complete construction of new facilities at the educational institution. Since 2021, the firm Ingeniería JL & Asociados S.A.\n\nfor the preparation of the technical inputs corresponding to the design stage, such as: basic topographic survey (levantamiento topográfico) studies, geotechnical studies (estudios geotécnicos), a diagnostic report (informe diagnóstico), bacteriological testing reports, a tree-felling report, and the holding of a participatory workshop (taller participativo) with parents and users of the educational center, an activity carried out on 08 de febrero de 2022. This first stage received formal acceptance from the reviewing professionals of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0537-2022, dated 22 de junio de 2022. Subsequently, the preliminary design phase (anteproyecto) was initiated, in which the actual ideas and needs of the educational center identified through the prior studies and the participatory workshop were given concrete form. In this stage, the buildings that will comprise the new educational center were defined, as detailed below:\n\n\"• Standard-type works (obras tipo): parents' waiting area (31 m²), two academic classrooms (72 m² each), one academic classroom for language and computing (72 m²), one preschool classroom (84 m²), type-5 restroom block (batería sanitaria tipo 5) (30 m²), type-6 restroom block (batería sanitaria tipo 6) (16 m²), administration extension (72 m²), wood-burning kitchen (24 m²), and standard-type cafeteria (72 m²).\n\n• Non-standard works (obras no tipo): one cultural pavilion (rancho cultural), one civic plaza, 283 m² of covered walkways, a flagpole, and an elevated potable water tank.\n\n• Supplementary works (obras complementarias): sidewalks, asphalt road, improvements to the existing parking area, green spaces, a complete electromechanical system (sistema electromecánico), and an emergency system.\"\n\nThe second stage was received satisfactorily by the professionals of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa through official communication DVM-A-DIE-DDO-UD-0130-2023, dated 09 de marzo de 2023. Subsequently, the continuation of the third stage was processed, which corresponds to the preparation of construction drawings and technical specifications; this 3rd stage has already been completed and was received satisfactorily through approval communication DVMA-DIE-DDO-UD-0787-2024, dated 10 de diciembre de 2024. The continuation of the fourth stage was then processed, corresponding to the detailed budget and scheduling of the works, with the aim of establishing the final cost of the project. This 4th stage was received satisfactorily through official communication DVM-A-DIEDDO-UD-0813-2025, dated 08 de diciembre de 2025. The total estimated amount for execution of the works comes to ₡468.957.254,74. Currently, the process is at the stage of preparing the necessary inputs for the registration of the project in the Banco de Proyectos of MIDEPLAN, with the objective of generating the corresponding code and proceeding with the final formalities before the competent institutions, such as the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Salud, and the Engineering Department of the Cuerpo de Bomberos.\n\nFrom the foregoing, it is clearly concluded that the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa confirmed the deficiencies of the educational center, establishing that the construction of new facilities is necessary. However, construction has not yet been carried out. In accordance with the reasons set forth and reiterated by this Chamber, the writ of amparo (amparo) must be granted.\n\nV.- NOTE OF JUSTICE SALAZAR ALVARADO. As a matter of principle, I consider that cases related to the inaction of the Public Administration in the repair, construction, modification, or demolition of any infrastructure work should be dismissed, since such omission constitutes a matter of legality, the discussion of which belongs to the ordinary courts, before which the interested party may more broadly argue their objections. However, when such omissive administrative conduct gives rise to a violation of other fundamental rights protected under this constitutional jurisdiction, or when groups considered vulnerable are affected, I do proceed to rule on the merits, as this situation constitutes an exception to my position on this subject matter — as is the case here, where the claim concerns the failure to respond to a complaint regarding an infrastructure problem at la Escuela El Progreso, código 6560, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, which puts students, administrative staff, and teachers at risk.\n\nVI.- PARTIAL DISSENTING OPINION (VOTO SALVADO PARCIAL) OF JUSTICE GARRO VARGAS WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATIVE PART OF THIS JUDGMENT. While I agree with the majority of the Chamber that the appeal must be granted, I disagree as to where the enforcement phase of the matter should be conducted, given the absence of adequate mechanisms provided by the rules governing this constitutional jurisdiction to monitor compliance with a judgment that involves highly complex technical aspects — as in this case, where the required facilities for la Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, must be constructed within a period of twenty-four months, counted from the notification of this judgment. By contrast, the provisions of the Código Procesal Contencioso-Administrativo on enforcement (article 155 et seq.) offer clear advantages, such as the ability to request schedules, impose fines, assign responsibilities, oversee compliance stages, etc. Therefore, in accordance with article 56 of the Ley de Jurisdicción Constitucional, I consider that the enforcement phase should be conducted before the Área de Ejecución of the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, under the judgment enforcement rules of that Code.\n\nVII.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE.\n\nThe petitioning party is hereby notified that, if any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained in any additional device of an electronic, computing, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology nature have been submitted, such materials must be retrieved from the office within a maximum period of 30 business days (días hábiles) counted from the date of notification of this judgment. Otherwise, all material not retrieved within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the \"Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial,\" approved by the Corte Plena in session number 27-11 of August 22, 2011, Article XXVI, and published in the Boletín Judicial number 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as in the agreement approved by the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial in session number 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.\n\n**Por tanto:**\n\nThe appeal is granted. Accordingly, José Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister, and Allan Ramírez Solano, Director of the Dirección de Infraestructura Educativa, both of the Ministerio de Educación Pública, or whoever holds those positions, are ordered to take all necessary steps so that, within twenty-four months counted from the date of notification of this judgment, the facilities required by the Escuela El Progreso, located in the Cabécar indigenous territory of Talamanca, are constructed. Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Article 71 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, imprisonment of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty day-fines, shall be imposed on any person who receives an order issued in a writ of amparo (recurso de amparo) that they are required to comply with or to enforce, and who fails to comply with it or to enforce it, provided the offense is not more severely penalized under another provision. The State is ordered to pay the costs, damages, and losses caused by the acts that form the basis of this ruling, which shall be assessed in the judgment enforcement proceedings (ejecución de sentencia) before the contentious-administrative jurisdiction. Magistrate Salazar Alvarado files a separate note. Magistrate Garro Vargas files a dissenting opinion with respect to the enforcement of this judgment and, in accordance with Article 56 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, holds that enforcement must be carried out before the Área de Ejecución of the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda, under the enforcement rules set forth in Articles 155 and following of the Código Procesal Contencioso Administrativo.\n\nIt likewise orders that a copy of the judgment be sent so that the proceedings for enforcement of this ruling may be initiated.\n\n| | | |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| | Fernando Castillo V. President | |\n| Fernando Cruz C. | | |\n\nThe chunk you have provided contains no Spanish legal text to translate. The content is raw HTML source code consisting almost entirely of base64-encoded JPEG image data (the long `/9j/4AAQSkZJRgAB…` strings inside `` attributes), interspersed with HTML table and paragraph tags. The only human-readable text present is the name \"Paul Rueda L.\" in a subscript span.\n\nThere is nothing here to translate. Please paste the actual Spanish prose — the article text, recitals, operative clauses, or table cells — and I will translate it according to the instructions.\n\nLuis Fdo.\n\nSalazar A.\n\n[signature image]\nJorge Araya G.\n\n[signature image]\nAnamari Garro V.\n\n[signature image]\n\nIngrid Hess H.\n\nDigitally Signed Document\n\n-- Verification Code --\n\n 9KZPZEPF8RU61\n\nEXPEDIENTE N° 26-011488-0007-CO\n\nTelephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482).\n\nFax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Website: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Sabana Sur, Calle Morenos, 100 m south of the Iglesia del Perpetuo Socorro)."
}