Zakynthos educators protest school class cuts

The ELME union in Zakynthos has denounced recent decisions by the Directorate of Secondary Education to cut school class numbers in the island's high schools. The union claims these cuts prioritize budget reductions over the safety, health, and educational needs of students.

According to the union, the new class structures will result in 25 to 27 students being crowded into small, unsuitable classrooms. This is particularly concerning given Zakynthos is located in one of Greece's most seismically active regions. ELME is demanding that classes be formed based on modern pedagogical needs, specifically requesting limits of 20 students per class for general high schools, 15 for specialized tracks, and 10 for vocational workshops.

The union is also calling for full coverage of special education needs and has organized a mobilization at the Directorate of Secondary Education for Tuesday, August 18, at 9:30 a.m.