Italy schools: Local initiatives for textbooks and infrastructure

Various Italian municipalities and regional authorities are implementing measures to support students and improve school environments ahead of the new academic year.

In Florence, the municipal government has allocated 535,000 euros to provide free textbooks for primary school students through a digital voucher system. Similarly, in Rimini, families can apply for regional textbook subsidies funded by Emilia-Romagna starting September 4 via an online platform. The rising cost of books has led many families to seek second-hand options, a trend noted by local retailers.

Infrastructure improvements are also underway, such as the installation of a new synthetic turf area at the Torri elementary school in Ventimiglia to provide safer play spaces. Meanwhile, in Foggia, the accreditation of school transport reimbursements for students with disabilities has been finalized, though advocacy groups emphasize the need for direct transport services rather than mere financial compensation.

An investigation by the Italian Antitrust Authority highlighted several factors contributing to high textbook costs, including limited market competition, frequent new editions, and obstacles in the second-hand market.