Despite protests from families, the merger of schools still took place. The first school day in the new building was held on December 18.
According to parents, they were promised that necessary conditions would be created for the children and transportation would be organized for those who have difficulties getting to the new location. However, at 6:30 AM, when the children gathered at the old building, there were no buses in sight.
“The gymnasium educates children from different districts of the city, and the city hall promised to organize school transport to take them from the old building. They promised to provide ten buses, but by half-past six, no one had arrived. The children got soaked in the rain, many returned home, and some could only get there by taxi. Not all parents can afford such luxury every day. We are extremely outraged, as officials promised to provide our children with everything they need,” one mother reported.
She noted that the new building is located in an area that is difficult for children to reach on their own.
“This building previously belonged to Kalinin School. The area is considered unsafe due to heavy traffic and the lack of pedestrian signs. Even adults cross the road with caution. This building is only suitable for children living nearby. The transfer of Lomonosov School became known last summer, but why were no measures taken during this time to prepare the area?” complained the mother of one of the students.
Additionally, parents have heard that Gymnasium No. 3 may remain in the new building permanently, while the previous location will be taken over by a private school.
“At first, we were told that this was a temporary transfer, but then rumors emerged that the site would be handed over to an investor for the construction of a private school. We began to fight for the preservation of the gymnasium. In the end, Mayor Zhenishbek Toktorbaev promised that a new building would be constructed in a year or two, and the gymnasium would return to its previous location. This school has a rich history, and we, the parents, will defend its rights,” they concluded.
