Extra half a million euros directed to private school teachers' pay
An additional half a million euros has been allocated for the salaries of private school teachers in Latvia. This comes as the "Programme in School" funding model is set to be fully introduced from 1 September 2026.
Latvia has directed an additional half a million euros to the pay of private school teachers. The move comes in the context of the new general education funding model "Programma skolā" (Programme in School), which is to be fully implemented from 1 September 2026.
What the model involves
The model was partly introduced as early as 1 September 2025. An extra 45 million euros has been earmarked for its implementation in 2026, and even more funding will be needed in the following years.
Under the new rules, full state funding will go to schools that meet set criteria. These cover the number of pupils in classes and class groups, as well as requirements on school size and structure, taking the school's location into account.
Debate over the school network
Drawing up the school network criteria prompted wide debate. Representatives of various political forces, municipalities, sector organisations and residents have repeatedly objected to the minimum pupil number criteria proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM). They have voiced concern about possible school closures, especially in the regions and rural areas.
The source gives no further details on how exactly the additional half a million euros will be distributed for private school teachers' pay.
