St. Gallen rewrites its 40-year-old education law for a modern era
St. Gallen is overhauling its Public Education Act for the first time in four decades. The current law, in place since 1984, has undergone 28 amendments but now faces a full rewrite. Cantonal authorities unveiled the draft on Friday, aiming to keep what works while making the system clearer and more adaptable. The revised legislation shifts power away from the Education Council, giving schools and municipalities more control. Under the new rules, parents can withdraw their children from school for up to 35 days once during their entire education—if they inform authorities and ensure learning continues. This flexibility marks a change from previous policies.
Special education will also see updates. Certain support measures can now be provided within mainstream schools, rather than separate settings. Costs for these services will be split evenly between the canton and local authorities. The law introduces a framework model, letting schools choose between traditional and alternative structures. Public consultation on the draft runs until July 3, 2026. If approved, the new act could take effect by summer 2028.
The revision removes outdated regulations while keeping core principles intact. Schools gain more freedom in organisation, and parents receive limited options for temporary withdrawals. The final version will depend on feedback gathered during the consultation period.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
