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Balkan schools begin 2026/2027 academic year amid reforms
The 2026/2027 academic year has commenced across several Balkan nations, marked by varying administrative developments and local initiatives.
In North Macedonia, Minister Vesna Janevska reported that 238,000 students are returning to school. The ministry has optimized the school network, implementing single-shift classes in 620 facilities and securing 622,000 textbooks. However, demographic shifts have led to the temporary closure of 26 rural branch schools due to low enrollment.
In Republika Srpska, Minister Borivoje Golubović noted that approximately 83,000 students are enrolled, with a slight increase in first-graders compared to last year. In Banja Luka, Mayor Draško Stanivuković highlighted the successful introduction of school uniforms in one classroom at Borisav Stanković Elementary School, following a municipal investment of nearly 80,000 KM.
Other regional updates include the commencement of the school year in Sarajevo Canton with over 54,000 students, and in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia, where 8,100 students returned to classes. In Croatia, administrative disputes have surfaced regarding the delayed opening of a new kindergarten in Nova Gradiška due to incomplete documentation.
In Montenegro, Mladenka Perić stated that while most schools are ready, some students will attend classes in nearby facilities due to ongoing construction.
Entities
Anđela Jakšić Stojanović · Borivoje Golubović · Borut Rončević · Czech Zbrojovka · Dragan Gnjatić · Draško Stanivuković · Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska · Ministry of Education and Science · Ministry of Education and Science of Bosnia and Herzegovina · Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria · Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia · Ministry of Education and Science of Republika Srpska