by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has approved a new school network and curriculum plan for the 2026–27 academic year, aiming to strengthen education access in rural and mountain areas while introducing specialized study programs across the region.
The measure, endorsed by the regional council this week, adapts school organization to demographic trends and local characteristics — including mountain communities, low-population rural areas, and linguistic minorities — while maintaining quality standards across the education system.
“We approved a school planning framework that protects the right to education even in the most remote areas of our region,” said Alessia Rosolen, regional councillor for labor, training, education, research, universities and family. She emphasized that the strategy balances territorial needs with educational quality and respects local identities.
The plan aligns with regional guidelines adopted in July 2025 and reflects the staffing quota of 139 school leaders and administrators assigned by Italy’s Ministry of Education. It incorporates proposals submitted by municipalities and school institutions.
New Academic Programs
Several new educational tracks were approved:
- Human sciences programs at ISIS Evangelista Torricelli in Maniago and ISIS Jacopo Linussio in Codroipo
- A computer science program at the Gian Giacomo Marinoni technical institute in Udine
- A hospitality and culinary arts program at the Tolmezzo correctional facility, replacing its previous finance and administration track
- A new adult-education center location for first-cycle studies at the Gorizia correctional facility
The region is also advancing four-year technological and vocational pathways, with 11 programs already authorized in schools located in Maniago, Latisana, Cividale, Cervignano del Friuli, Udine and Tolmezzo. Work is underway to establish integrated education campuses, beginning in the Tolmezzo area.
Safeguarding Small Schools
A key feature of the plan is the safeguarding of undersized schools in mountain zones and in areas where linguistic minorities are present. Exceptions will allow schools in communities such as Cormons, Grado, Moraro, Maniago, Chiusaforte, Lauco, Prepotto, Ravascletto, San Leonardo and San Pietro al Natisone to remain open despite small student numbers — an effort, officials say, to counter depopulation in remote areas. Oversized schools in other parts of the region will help balance staffing allocations.
Network Adjustments
The plan also includes consolidation measures. Primary schools in Palse (Porcia), Mediis (Socchieve) and central Tarvisio will close early, with students transferring to Porcia, Ampezzo and Tarvisio Città. Changes to the registered headquarters of the combined school districts in Fontanafredda, Comeglians and Palmanova-Destra Torre were also formalized after taking effect in the 2025–26 school year.
Rosolen described the plan as the product of dialogue with municipalities, school administrators, the regional school office, unions and student representatives. “We will continue working together to ensure a high-quality education system capable of meeting local needs and future challenges,” she said.
