Starting today, all 171,633 Sardinian students are back in class. Last Wednesday, the first bell rang in some schools, based on the powers granted to school authorities: the days of lessons already completed will be a sort of bonus that will be transformed into breaks and long weekends throughout the year.

But this morning the official start was made. With the usual hopes and the usual problems: school buildings, dropouts, and a steady decline in student numbers. A phenomenon largely linked to the declining birth rate. There are 5,206 fewer students than in 2024/25. It's not a record, but we're very close: in 2024, the budget had been a loss of 5,515 students. The numbers are increasingly dramatic when compared to past years: from 2014 to 2025-26, Sardinian schools have lost over 40,000 students.

"It's a natural trend in recent years," explains the regional director of schools, Francesco Feliziani, "and it's a worrying phenomenon because this trend is impacting the local area and affecting important social aspects, starting with depopulation. Paradoxically, right now, schools and education could even benefit because the number of teachers isn't decreasing. But I repeat: overall, these are worrying numbers."

In the province of Cagliari, there are 78,194 students, a decrease of 2,565. In Sassari, enrollment is 54,754, a decrease of 1,516 students. Schools in the Nuoro area have lost 785 students, now numbering 23,183. In Oristano , 340 fewer children and youth will be enrolled this school year, with 15,502 students expected to attend.

The school administration has confirmed: all teachers will be back on the first day of school, including support teachers. And full time will resume immediately. "There are still a few exceptions to be worked out," Feliziani continues, "and final details to iron out regarding last-minute substitutions and cancellations, but the overall picture is certainly positive." The school administration extends its best wishes to all Sardinian students: "I hope they find a peaceful and cheerful environment. And may the ban on cell phone use in class represent an opportunity for students to rediscover the joy of talking and spending time together."

Among this year's new measures is the ban on cell phones: schools are organizing their custody and possible sanctions.

(Unioneonline)

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