Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium parents demand answers on school status

Parents of students at the Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium in Novi Sad have issued a public appeal to the Minister of Education, Dejan Vuk Stanković, regarding the uncertain future of the school for the upcoming academic year.

With only 15 days remaining before the new term begins, students and faculty remain unaware of where or under whose administration they will be studying. During the previous school year, students were displaced across three different schools following a decision by the school director, Radivoje P. Stojković, citing concerns over an illegally constructed dome on the original building. Parents claim that no official authority has declared the main building unsafe, and they note that promised renovation works have not yet begun, nor has the necessary project documentation been completed.

In addition to the physical location of classes, parents are raising concerns regarding the school's future governance. They are seeking clarity on whether the institution will be privatized or transferred to the Serbian Orthodox Church, as previously suggested by the Minister. The parents also highlighted instability within the teaching staff, noting that five professors have been suspended, some have left the school, and there has been uncertainty regarding the engagement of university professors.