Portuguese municipalities address school staffing and support services

Municipalities in Portugal are addressing challenges regarding school support services and staffing. In Sobral de Monte Agraço, opposition members have criticized the management of school transport, waiting lists for family support services, and a shortage of technicians for curricular enrichment activities. The local executive reported a 50% increase in registrations and announced the opening of a new Family Support Component room to address demand. To manage staffing shortages, the municipality is temporarily utilizing senior technicians and municipal pool instructors.

In Braga, the City Council responded to concerns regarding staff shortages in schools by stating they have deployed 82 operational assistants above the legal ratios defined by the government. This reinforcement represents an annual expenditure exceeding two million euros. The municipality also noted that it has transitioned to a flexible support model for children with specific needs, moving away from a fixed monthly allowance to a system based on individual assessments conducted by a multi-representative commission.