From vision to reality
Department of Service and Innovation Annual Report 2025
Department of Education and Youth
The Department of Education and Youth is Reykjavík City's largest department, operating around 170 locations, employing more than 6,000 staff, and providing services to approximately 22,000 children from diverse backgrounds.
In 2025, the department continued developing its services, focusing on digital solutions, stronger oversight, and better access to data.
Skóla-Búi
The ongoing development and rollout of Skóla-Búi remained a key driver of service transformation. By consolidating information across preschools, primary schools, and recreational activities, Skóla-Búi improves service oversight for each child, streamlines staff collaboration, and increases transparency for guardians. As the rollout progressed, rising system usage and data volume reflected the platform's growing operational role.
Digital infrastructure
Work to expand digital infrastructure continued throughout the year. The rollout of electronic forms for day parents continued, alongside preparations for a new learning management system. The department conducted a needs assessment and market survey that included workshops, interviews, and an analysis of service user needs. This groundwork informs the procurement procedure for a new system designed to better support teaching, communication, and academic recordkeeping.
The department also began preparing for new management systems for preschools and recreational activities. To ensure continuity as this work progresses, the department extended its contract with InfoMentor. Collaboration with the Center for Education and School Support Services also continued on a new national student database, designed to improve consistency and future data access.
Communication
Initiatives focused on improving processes, communication, and services for service users. The Abler rollout continued across youth centers, improving oversight and streamlining communication with young people and guardians. Staff also completed the electronic requisition book project during the year. This initiative introduced digital solutions to phase out paper-based requisition books and simplify occasional staff purchasing.
Completing a web project that included a domain migration marked a significant digital development milestone. The launch of the new fristund.is website greatly improved residents' access to information and services.
Policy and planning
The department prioritized policy making and deliberate project sequencing throughout the year. To support better oversight and clearer decision-making, the Department of Education and Youth established a digital project schedule aligned with Department of Service and Innovation practices. As part of this effort, leaders discussed aligning goals and a shared vision, emphasizing improved data access, process development, and more purposeful technology use, including artificial intelligence.
This progress reflects a clear path toward integrated, data-driven, and user-centered services that support staff in their daily work while enhancing the experience of children and families who rely on City services.
