Developments in education policy regarding infrastructure and teacher hiring in Paphos

Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou has confirmed the decision to construct a new middle school in the center of Paphos to replace the demolished Nikolaideio Gymnasium. This project addresses the lack of functional space currently caused by the co-location of the middle school with the Kykko Lyceum. Concurrently, the Ministry is upgrading and expanding facilities at the Agios Charalambos Lyceum and TESEK in Emba to serve the western Paphos region and the Akamas municipality. Regarding teacher recruitment, the government is working to resolve the planned 2027 abolition of the appointment list. While current law mandates this change, teachers and advocacy groups have gathered over 10,270 signatures calling for the maintenance of the appointment list to avoid staffing shortages and ensure job security for experienced educators. The Ministry plans to present a balanced proposal by the end of July. Minister Michaelidou emphasized that the government aims to correct systemic issues through dialogue with educational organizations and stakeholders, ensuring that experienced professionals are not excluded from the system.