LPS and IZM Agree on School Safety Measures and Learning Resource Availability

On Monday, June 29, the Latvian Association of Local Governments (LPS) and the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) held their annual negotiations, focusing on several pressing education issues.

A key topic was school safety. The parties agreed to clarify the division of responsibilities between the state and municipalities by August 30, 2026, develop unified response algorithms, strengthen coordination with relevant institutions, and ensure clear authority for operational decision-making. Additionally, they plan to organize practical drills, integrate emotional resilience topics into teacher professional development, and conduct civil protection audits in all educational institutions. LPS supports the IZM's ongoing actions but stresses the need for a unified approach and significant investment in infrastructure.

Regarding the school network and the "Programme at School" funding model, an agreement was reached to improve the methodology for allocating municipal shares. The urbanization index (DEGURBA) will now be only one criterion, not the sole basis for decisions. The minister confirmed that during the transition period, flexibility in student numbers will be considered based on regional accessibility. School network planning must account for demographics, quality, and municipal development needs.

On literacy and the transition from preschool to first grade, the parties agreed to continue teacher professional development, strengthen a shared understanding of expected outcomes, and make more effective use of support mechanisms such as the "School – in the Community" project. Cooperation with publishers for developing learning materials will also continue. LPS emphasizes the urgent need to address the gap between preschool readiness and first-grade requirements.

Regarding special education school funding, LPS noted that current funding has not been reviewed for a long time and does not reflect the real economic situation, placing a burden on municipalities. The parties agreed to take note of IZM's short-term solutions but continue discussions on maintenance costs and long-term systemic solutions while preparing the 2027 state budget.

In terms of learning resource provision, IZM will identify availability in schools, while municipalities will assess their own institutions. Solutions for more flexible use of EU funds, including the purchase of digital platforms, are planned. LPS notes that despite investments, significant disparities between schools persist.

For the "School – in the Community" project, the parties agreed to expand the recipient base, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen the capacity of support providers. Support for students with learning difficulties and at risk of social exclusion is particularly important.

In the STEM and civic participation project, plans include reducing administrative burden, improving quality and accessibility, and developing digital solutions for data recording. LPS supports these changes.

On digitalization, the parties acknowledged progress in projects concerning electronic education documents and a unified application system for schools. LPS supports the initiative but emphasizes the need for user-friendly implementation.

In the youth sector, they agreed to continue work on professional development, job classification, and human resource provision. LPS notes that while the role of youth workers is growing, municipalities face challenges in attracting and retaining qualified specialists.

For adult education, the parties agreed to promote greater municipal involvement, including organizing discussions at the planning region level. LPS calls for addressing the issue of coordinator salaries, which affects municipal capacity in this area.