Belgrade School Excursion Dispute Escalates: Parents File Criminal Complaint

A long-standing dispute between parents and the administration of Belgrade's Ninth Gymnasium over student excursions has escalated, with parents filing a criminal complaint against the director. The conflict, which began in December, centers on the public procurement process for organizing the trips.

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We are very short on time, we need to choose as soon as possible so that the children can go on excursions in the fall, especially the graduating students.

Parents allege that the procurement was conducted improperly and without their consent, citing irregularities in the commission's work. They claim the director, Tatjana Šuković, has delegated responsibility to the parent-teacher association instead of addressing their concerns. Ana Radošević, a representative of the parents' association, stated that the dispute dates back to last year's procurement process, which parents boycotted.

This year, the parents' association took charge of preparing the tender to ensure multiple offers, unlike previous years where only one agency was used. However, they encountered issues with the bid opening on June 30th. The director was absent, and her assistant provided prices. Parents report difficulty contacting the agency since then and are concerned about delays that could jeopardize the trips.

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We have been preparing the ground and public procurement, which is within the competence of the Parent Council, since February, we have been preparing the documentation, opening the tender so that we can get more offers.

Boris Bogdanovski, another parent representative, noted that they submitted objections to the agency KGB, hired by the school for procurement, regarding technical errors. He stated the director dismissed their concerns, saying they didn't understand the process. Bogdanovski also pointed out a reduction in the per diem for trip leaders, with increased allowances for class teachers. The group is trying to reconnect with the director, who is on vacation, or her deputy, emphasizing the urgent need to select a provider so students, especially graduating seniors, can embark on their excursions in the fall.

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We don't understand this process.