Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• Parents voice their concerns about the planned merger of Russian minority schools in Riga 

 

Education Department of Riga City Council is planning to merge two Russian minority schools: "Herder secondary school" could be moved to the building of "Russian secondary school" and a single "Herder secondary" would remain as a result. "Herder secondary" is Russian minority school with enhanced learning of German language situated in prestigious city centre and according to the newspaper, the school had resisted previous suggestions to move the school elsewhere; the parents like the quality of education, the feeling of small school as well as the fact that the school is a walking distance from their homes. "Russian secondary" is a standard Soviet-era school built in the historical workers' outskirts of inner city and currently the area has questionable reputation. Representative of Riga Education Department Imants Mednis declined to give any comments. 357 pupils study in "Herder secondary" (400 pupils capacity), 344 pupils in "Russian secondary" (750 pupils capacity). According to the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs (Concord Centre), Riga City Council will increase police presence in the area around "Russian secondary" and is planning to invest 2,5 million Lats (3,557 million Euros) in renovation of its building and the surrounding area, including park. The newspaper reminds that few years ago several Russian schools have already been merged. Vesti Segodnya