Structural Dangers Force Closure of Kyiv Rus Gymnasium: Parents Blame Authorities for Delayed Action.

Dispute Erupts Over Shutdown of Kyiv Rus Gymnasium

According to TSN.ua: A conflict has emerged in Kyiv over the closure of the Kyiv Rus Gymnasium, following an expert assessment that declared the building unsafe. The structure, completed in 2013, was officially deemed hazardous in an April 2025 report, yet the school is not scheduled to shut down until 2026. Parents argue that officials ignored the specialists' warnings about the dangerous conditions for an entire year, fueling serious concerns about the safety of their children.

Starting September 1, 2026, parents are demanding that the new school year begin with in-person classes, noting that alarming signs about the gymnasium's condition surfaced well before the official emergency designation. Oleksandr Kovtunov, head of the Darnytsia District State Administration, confirmed that the institution will remain under municipal ownership, dismissing rumors of a potential privatization. He also stated:

“We plan to visit the gymnasium building directly this week.”

On February 27, 2026, the Darnytsia District State Administration asked the Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergency Situations to review the building's technical state. During a meeting on March 18, 2026, the Commission decided to temporarily suspend the building's use, sparking a fresh wave of outrage among parents. Olha, the mother of a student, remarked:

“This looks like a manipulation to use that argument at the right moment.”

The gymnasium was built by the private joint-stock company 'KhK Kyivmiskbud.' According to a Kyiv City Council decision from December 2, 2010, the school is listed as a municipal property asset. Parents emphasize the urgent need for a government response, as the building's condition raises serious alarms. Yevhenia Spysovska, a parent representative, stressed:

“Rumors that the school will become private are not true.”

The controversy surrounding the Kyiv Rus Gymnasium highlights the critical need for timely action on expert findings and proper oversight of educational facilities. Parents are hoping for a swift resolution and the start of the school year in a safe environment.

This dispute underscores broader challenges faced by Ukrainian schools, particularly regarding safety and administrative decision-making. It also illustrates the importance of transparency in communication between parents, school management, and state authorities, as prompt responses to issues can prevent serious consequences for students and their families.