The school network in Valga municipality will not change in the coming years. Both current leaders and new candidates agree with this. Valga primary school and Priimetsa school will continue to operate separately.
The leadership of Valga State Gymnasium is concerned that the level of students coming from primary school has declined. The gymnasium even has a special class where primary school material is studied. Russian students have problems with the Estonian language.
There are 150 students in Valga Gymnasium. Of these, 45 began their studies this year. Schools in Tõrva and Otepää municipalities want to maintain their gymnasium classes.
Student Keiro Ilves says that if school is not safe, learning outcomes suffer. He mentions that Valga primary school has had issues with bullying and other problems.
Student Mikk Süsta chose Valga Gymnasium because he wanted to stay in Valga. His family lives here, and it was an easier choice.
The leadership of Valga State Gymnasium called for a debate among candidates for mayor. They offer scholarships, free housing, and training for teachers.
Many non-Estonian-speaking families live in Valga. They have to choose between Priimetsa school and Valga primary school. Priimetsa school requires students to eventually study in Estonian.
Mayor Monika Rogenbaum says that the school structure is planned to change. Grades 1–6 could be in one building and grades 7–9 in another. However, this is still in its early stages and has not been confirmed yet.
Mart Kase, who is in the opposition, believes that more students should come to the gymnasium from places like Tartu. There are limited school spots there. He says that Valga State Gymnasium is very necessary.
Kase adds that if a child goes to study in Tartu, it costs parents a lot of money, especially if there are several children in the family.
Gymnasium director Andrus Murumaa says that if children stay in Valga to study, it is good. Then there is no need to worry about a shortage of students.
Valga municipality faces a complex situation because in one class, there are both Russian students who do not know Estonian and good students.