Statement by the SASA Board for Education

At the session held on 22 December 2025, the members of the Academy Board for Education deliberated on the current situation in primary and secondary schools and reached the following conclusions:

The Academy Board for Education expresses its satisfaction with the return of the students of the Belgrade Fifth Grammar School to the classrooms, as the first and most important step toward normalising the education process. The steps to follow should be the realisation of the call for applications for the position of the principal of the grammar school, as well as the constitution and session of the School Board, in order to restore the class organisation in line with the legal framework. In accordance with its repeatedly stated recommendations, the Academy Board for Education expects the principal of the Belgrade Fifth Grammar School to be elected from among the teaching staff of this grammar school, who have the support and respect of their colleagues. This procedure should also be carried out in all primary and secondary schools in which there are ambiguities or irregularities related to acting principals’ status, school boards’ functioning and other bodies guaranteeing quality organisation and delivery of classes, as prescribed by the law.

In the previous period, a great many high-quality professors in Serbia’s schools, who were employed on short-term contracts, did not have their contracts renewed. Additionally, a significant number of teaching staff have been suspended, with some even having been dismissed. The Academy Board for Education has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that there is a shortage of qualified teaching staff in Serbia. Therefore, to improve or at least safeguard the quality of the education process, it is necessary to retain and employ all recognised and competent teachers. The Academy Board for Education calls upon the newly-elected principals, both in the Fifth Grammar School and other schools as well, to review the decisions related to non-renewal of the contracts and suspensions. This would ensure the quality, regular classes in all subjects for the students, with the teachers they are familiar with and with whom they have an established pedagogical relationship. These measures would represent steps toward the depoliticisation and professionalisation of the education system, contributing to higher-quality schooling and the achievement of desired educational standards for younger generations. The importance of education, as a fundamental value of a society, calls for students’ right to quality education to be restored and be put as a priority in society. It is high time the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, teaching staff and parents cease to act as opposing sides and instead establish a constructive partnership.