Novi Sad mayor promises school repairs by Oct. 15, parents urge patience

Novi Sad Mayor Žarko Mićin has set October 15 as the deadline for completing renovation work at the Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium, assuring parents that students can return to their school by that date. Mićin urged parents to exercise patience as the repairs progress.

However, the mayor's timeline has been met with skepticism by parents. Goran Radojev, a representative for the parents, dismissed the mayor's promise as a "political attempt to calm the situation" ahead of Serbia's upcoming elections. Radojev expressed distrust in the city's assurances, citing a history of broken agreements.

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our conclusion (of the parents) is that (Serbian President) Aleksandar Vučić is protecting Radivoje P. Stojković and whose goal is to destroy Jovina gymnasium

Parents are also questioning the relocation of students, who they say have been "illegally displaced" to three other schools. They are demanding clarity on the interim educational arrangements and have accused Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić of protecting the school's director, Radivoje P. Stojković, whom they believe is intentionally trying to harm the gymnasium.

Further complicating matters, parents are seeking an explanation as to why the director has not reinstated suspended professors, despite a court decision. The mayor indicated that the director has "his own legal remedies." The delegation of parents, students, and teachers plans to discuss their next steps following the meeting with city and provincial officials.

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has his own legal remedies