interview by Nastassja Martin
The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government will invest €4.5 million in its “School Package” for the 2026–27 academic year, maintaining funding at last year’s level while broadening support for inclusive education, school staffing and bilingual programs in mountain communities.
Regional officials announced the initiative Tuesday in Trieste, describing the program as a long-term pillar of the region’s education policy. Introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic as an emergency measure, the funding has since evolved into a permanent component of the regional school system. Authorities said the measure is expected to become a structural funding program beginning in 2027, alongside existing support for students with disabilities, special educational needs and learning disorders.
The largest share of the funding — €2 million — will be allocated to administrative, technical and auxiliary school staff (ATA), allowing schools to increase staffing hours and better manage daily operations.
Another €1.65 million will support inclusion initiatives, including additional educational assistance for students with disabilities, specific learning disorders (DSA) and other special educational needs (BES). Further funding will be directed toward private accredited schools, collaborative school network projects, and home- and hospital-based education services.
Physical education also remains a priority. The package includes €500,000 for additional teaching hours in motor education, while a separate two-year agreement worth €2.1 million will finance sports programs from preschool through secondary school, involving specialist instructors and certified sports federation coaches.
Among the new initiatives for the coming academic year is an €80,000 pilot program supporting Italian-German bilingual education in mountain municipalities, aimed at strengthening multilingual instruction in communities where linguistic diversity forms part of the local identity.
Additional allocations include €180,000 for programs recognizing academic excellence and €60,000 to support educational staff working in boarding schools.
The package also confirms that teaching and administrative service performed under the program will continue to count toward professional ranking systems, a measure intended to encourage greater continuity among school staff.
Presenting the initiative, Regional Councillor for Education Alessia Rosolen said the funding reflects a broader strategy that views education as a key driver of social cohesion and regional development. She said the region’s continued investment is intended to strengthen schools through targeted resources and long-term planning.
