RIGA, Aug 30 (LETA) - Even though this school year comes with significant challenges, schools in Riga are ready for the new school year, said Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) in a press conference today.

According to the Riga City Council, there will be 68,200 pupils learning in 101 schools in Riga, and 7,090 teachers will be teaching them.

Riga also has ten sports schools, nine music and arts schools and eight children and youth centers.

Stakis said that in the past two years, 15 schools have been reorganized.

The Riga mayor said that an audit has been started to assess all administrative processes and reduce the administrative workload for school administrations.

Riga City Council's education, culture and sports committee chairwoman Iveta Ratinika (For Latvia's Development) said that one of the challenges is shortage of teachers. Another challenge is the upcoming heating season.