Educational network reorganizations in Lithuania, particularly in regional municipalities, have become necessary due to declining student numbers, migration trends, and the need to optimize public resources. Nevertheless, such reforms raise serious questions regarding social justice and equal access to educational services in different territories. This issue is particularly relevant in areas with decreasing population density, growing proportions of socially at-risk groups, and declining availability of public transportation and other services.

The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the challenges of social justice and educational accessibility during the reorganization of the educational network, based on secondary quantitative data analysis. The study used various statistical and administrative data collected from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport, the Lithuanian Department of Statistics, regional municipal administrations, and other public institutions. Analyzed indicators include dynamics of student numbers, changes in the structure of educational networks, travel distances to the nearest educational institutions, distribution of teachers and other staff, socio-economic indicators, and population density in different territories.

Methodologically, the study involves descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses, as well as territorial analysis using geographic information system (GIS) data. This allows identifying which municipalities and localities are most affected by network reorganization in terms of social justice and accessibility. The research data revealed that in regions with low student density and a high number of socially at-risk residents, reorganization often results in decreased service accessibility, longer travel times to educational institutions, and narrower educational service offerings. Meanwhile, in urban centers, the impact of reorganization often manifests in less significant changes, as more alternatives and infrastructural capacities remain available.

The study emphasizes that the success of educational network reorganizations depends not only on financial efficiency or infrastructural solutions but also on creating socially just policies. Ensuring social justice requires data-driven planning and sensitivity to territorial and social specifics. It is essential to consider regional differences during reforms to prevent network reorganization from becoming an additional factor deepening social exclusion.

These research results provide practical insights for both national policymakers and municipal administrations to develop solutions that combine financial efficiency with social justice and ensure equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their place of residence.

Keywords: Social justice, educational network, accessibility, regions, educational policy.