Greek lawmakers challenge school mergers and teacher shortages

Greek lawmakers have submitted parliamentary inquiries to the Minister of Education regarding significant staffing shortages and administrative decisions affecting schools in the Thessaly region.

In Volos, MP Vasilis Metaxas is calling for the immediate reversal of a decision to merge classes at the 14th Primary School. The move, which downgrades the school's functionality, has raised concerns among parents regarding student safety, hygiene, and the psychological impact of relocating children away from their local neighborhoods. Critics argue the school has sufficient infrastructure and staff to maintain more classes with fewer students per group.

In Larissa, SYRIZA MPs Giannis Karpidis and Giannis Amanatidis have highlighted 102 teacher vacancies in primary education. The shortages include 70 positions in Parallel Support, 10 in English language instruction, and 22 in Priority Educational Zones (ZEP). Local educators have also reported overcrowded classrooms, underutilized facilities, and pressure to transfer students, prompting calls for the Ministry to clarify when these vacancies will be filled.