The school was closed before the new school year in Petropavlovsk

She was the only one in a large neighborhood, parents are protesting, but the city authorities are adamant

PETROPAVLOVSK, Aug 17 — Sputnik. In Petropavlovsk, before the new school year, the only school in a large neighborhood was closed, causing outrage among parents, Sputnik Kazakhstan correspondent reports.
We are talking about primary school No. 19, which is located in the Kirpichny microdistrict.
"This is the only school in our large neighborhood. It's small, but very cozy. Moreover, this is a very strong school, there are professional and caring teachers here. We really ask you to leave school for the children," parents write on social networks.
After this elementary school, children easily enter lyceums. Even children with delayed speech development, who are not accepted to other schools because of overcrowded classes, have good knowledge, parents stressed.
Representatives of the Department of Education of the North Kazakhstan region explained to parents that the school building was built in 1959 and, according to the technical conclusion on the condition of building structures from November 2022, was recognized as an emergency.
Meanwhile, the parents of schoolchildren were ready to make repairs themselves and, if necessary, pay for additional expertise.
"Parents laid asphalt in front of the school themselves last year, installed a fence. The Department of Education responds to us that the school is unsafe and requires major repairs. At the same time, only 890 thousand tenge was allocated for the repair of the school for 13 years," the parents complain.
According to the parents, the school has not even changed the windows since 1959. The director of the school wrote petitions for the allocation of funds for repairs, but in response silence, they are outraged.
However, the Department of Education is adamant.
"Defects and damages identified in the building and its structures cannot be repaired. There is a possibility of a ceiling collapse, which poses a threat to the safety, life and health of children and school staff," the department informed.
The head of the regional Department of Education Nazir Zhashibekov explained to journalists that the measures were taken based on the interests of children.
"The school in the Kirpichny microdistrict is recognized as an emergency. There is a corresponding conclusion of the licensed company. At the moment, the school is closed," Zhashibekov said.
At the beginning of the school year, 44 children were registered at the school. These are elementary school students - from 1st to 4th grade and a pre-school preparation class.
"Parents are offered education in the nearest schools, in particular at school No. 4. Free transportation of students and free hot meals will be organized to this school. This school has all the conditions according to the standards of education: gym, renovated bathrooms and so on," Nazir Zhashibekov stressed.
He also noted that parents can choose any other schools in the city.
In addition, six teachers worked at the school, including the head of the school, and several technical staff.
"The teaching staff is employed in school No. 4. Absolutely no one was left without work," Nazir Zhashibekov assured.