Parents of semi-graduates from the "Savo Pejanović" Elementary School dissatisfied with the shift schedule, children are returning to classes

Although they disagree with the decision of the management of the "Savo Pejanović" Elementary School to have the semi-graduates in the afternoon shift, their parents promised today that their children will return to classes.

By gathering in front of the oldest institution in Podgorica today, parents wanted to let the administration know that the afternoon shift for semi-graduates, in their opinion, is not a good decision.

They explained that they had gathered after the children had not gone to school for two days.

Parents' Council representative Jelena Popović said that parents first learned about the administration's controversial decision from "unofficial sources", two weeks before the start of the school year. This, she said, was confirmed to them six days before classes began.

"And such a decision has simply completely disrupted the organization of everyday life for many families. These are children who have extracurricular activities. Some are seriously involved in sports, some go to music school. And on top of that, they have the most serious thing of all - preparation for the external knowledge test that is coming up...", she said.

Another problematic change, she says, is that due to multiple shifts, the long break only lasts 10 minutes.

According to her, director Milja Božović told them that this schedule was "the best possible way of organizing."

"We were not satisfied with that answer. So we asked her what all was taken into account. It was taken into account that the children are old enough to take care of themselves, and considering what she said a moment ago, we still think it is not a good decision. We will send our children to school. This boycott was an expression of dissatisfaction," she said.

She added that she is encouraged by the fact that, in discussions with representatives of the Capital City and the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the completion of the basement has been announced.

"...Which would provide space for learning, additional school capacity and thus perhaps enable children to have a second shift from the second semester," said Popović.

Tomo Knežević points out that "the arbitrariness of one woman and the school administration is not good for either the parents or the children."

"If once, 20-30 years ago, the school could accommodate 1300 children and have them on the first shift, we don't understand this move by the school administration," he said.

Knežević believes that they should have found "common ground" with the school principal and made a compromise.

"We cannot work against children. We have to send them to school. None of the parents are against it. We wanted to show that we do not agree with some arbitrary decisions. If you are not a good manager, if you do not know how to work in the interests of children, simply give it to someone who can," he said.