The Regional Secretary for Education and Culture rejected today the accusations regarding the lack of non-teaching staff in regional public school establishments.

"If we compare the number of non-teaching staff a year ago with the current figures, we can note an increase in the number of non-teaching staff members, more specifically of 58. This fact is significant, particularly at a time when the number of students is slightly decreasing," said Avelino Meneses.

Speaking at the end of a hearing with representatives of the Public Administration Workers' Union (SINTAP/Açores), the Regional Secretary stressed, however, that "the non-teaching staff, especially in the technical assistant and auxiliary categories, is showing some ageing and lacks renovation."

For this reason, stressed Avelino Meneses, "82 procurement procedures are currently ongoing in order to hire more technical assistants and auxiliary staff to schools in the current school year."

According to the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture, the new staff members "will further improve the daily operation of schools."

While the procedures are still ongoing, schools, like other public and private entities, have addressed their needs through employment promotion programmes.

Avelino Meneses considered that the meeting with the representatives of SINTAP/Açores was positive, stressing that they "drawn our attention to need to ensure the regular operation of school activities, also through non-teaching professionals."

"We are all on the same side and, for that reason, the meeting with the union was fruitful," concluded the Regional Secretary.