Latvia hands school holiday and calendar decisions to education minister

Latvia's Saeima on Thursday passed, under an accelerated procedure, amendments to the Education Law, the General Education Law and the Vocational Education Law that change how school holidays and academic year dates are determined.

Under the previous system, the Cabinet of Ministers had to decide every year on the start and end dates of the school year, student holiday periods, and the schedule for state exams. This meant the entire government had to weigh in on what was essentially a routine administrative matter.

What changes

Going forward, this responsibility will be delegated to the Minister of Education and Science alone, without requiring Cabinet involvement. This applies to state exams in both general education and vocational secondary education programs.

According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, the goal of the change is to reduce bureaucratic burden by freeing the government from having to make annual decisions on largely administrative issues.

In addition, the education minister will now also make the final decision on granting or revoking state gymnasium status for educational institutions, a matter that previously involved a broader procedure.

When it takes effect

The amendments will take effect the day after they are officially promulgated, meaning the changes could become relevant in the near future.

The news comes just as the new school year has begun in Latvia, with students across the country returning to classes on September 1 amid flowers and excitement.