Secondary Education Directorate of Karditsa Prefecture (Education Authority) is a decentralized service of the Greek Ministry of Education, Research, and Religious Affairs. Secondary Education Directorate of Karditsa is mainly responsible for the operation of all secondary educational institutions (lower and upper) within its area of operation, namely the prefecture of Karditsa. This covers a number of about 40 institutions (Gymnasiums, lyceums, and VETs) in a total of 7.000 students and about 1.000 teachers. Its main duties are implementation of central & regional educational policies, the appointment of new or substitute personnel, educational guidance and counseling, coordination of initiatives and innovations viable in the school classroom, the promotion of excellence and competence among pupils and teachers, and the implementation of school curricula.