Latvian Ministry of Education proposes teacher salary funding changes

The Latvian Ministry of Education and Science has proposed several amendments to the 'Programma skolā' teacher salary financing model to refine its application starting next school year.

Key proposals include maintaining state funding for 10th–12th grade groups with at least 15 students during the 2026/2027 school year, lowering the current threshold from 30 students. This transition is intended to allow municipalities more time to adapt school networks. Additionally, the amendments propose removing the 2% limit on the redistribution of state targeted grants among teachers, support staff, and school leadership, allowing for more flexible use of funds based on actual personnel needs.

The reforms also address distance learning by doubling the funding coefficient for municipal schools providing distance education for grades 1–9, aiming to support the Latvian diaspora. Other changes include including social pedagogues in the list of state-funded positions and providing a 10% supplement for directors and deputy directors of state gymnasiums.