Serbia education sector faces planning updates and local school unrest

The start of the new school year in Serbia has been marked by both administrative planning and localized unrest. In Šabac, Mayor Aleksandar Pajić met with secondary school directors and Assistant Minister Danka Nešović to discuss educational needs and the Ministry of Education's work plans for 2026/27. Pajić noted that 28% of the city's budget is allocated to education, emphasizing a focus on human capital and the introduction of new educational profiles to meet market demands.

In contrast, tensions have emerged at the ‘Jovan Jovanović Zmaj’ Gymnasium in Novi Sad. While Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković reported a regular start to the school year, the gymnasium is currently operating across three different locations due to facility issues. The school has also faced significant internal conflict following the dismissal of several teachers. Students reportedly boycotted classes in solidarity with the dismissed staff, leading to further administrative friction and confrontations between school leadership and students.