Lisbon City Council Boosts School Operational Assistants Despite Parental Concerns

Lisbon City Council's Commitment to Schools

On Tuesday, the Lisbon City Council (CML) announced that it has ensured 156 more operational assistants than the ratio defined by the General Directorate of School Establishments (DGEstE) across the 39 school groups and independent schools in the city.

In response to concerns raised by three parent associations from the Agrupamento de Escolas Nuno Gonçalves, regarding a serious lack of operational assistants, the city council stated that it is closely monitoring all issues related to the school community, including this specific grouping.

According to the council, they have made a significant effort to ensure that public schools in Lisbon have more operational assistants than the minimum requirements set by the DGEstE. Currently, the CML provides 1,637 operational assistants, exceeding the 1,481 mandated by the DGEstE.

Specific Measures for Nuno Gonçalves School Group

For the Agrupamento de Escolas Nuno Gonçalves, the council confirmed the addition of five extra operational assistants beyond the number required by the DGEstE. The CML has also completed another recruitment process for non-teaching staff at the end of 2024, although the exact number of positions filled was not disclosed.

In its 2025 Annual Recruitment Plan, the CML anticipates launching a new common recruitment procedure for operational assistants in education, with 100 positions available for indefinite public service contracts.

Parental Concerns and Demands

Recently, the parent associations sent an open letter to the Lisbon City Council demanding an urgent reinforcement of operational assistants. They expressed that the current ratios are the absolute minimum, compromising both children’s safety and the effective functioning of schools. Parents highlighted problems, such as students at the Escola Secundária Dona Luísa de Gusmão being prevented from accessing the playground due to insufficient supervision.

Despite the challenges, parents acknowledged the efforts and dedication of operational assistants, emphasizing their essential role in maintaining safe and nurturing school environments for children.