School start-time dispute sends Kõrveküla parents to court

ERR reports that journalist Reimo Sildvee will make his debut on the television programme “Pealtnägija” by examining a dispute between parents at Kõrveküla Basic School and the municipality over when the school day should begin. The disagreement has reached court.

Under a government regulation adopted in early July 2025, lessons at general education schools were supposed to start at 9 a.m. from this academic year. Sildvee said the report shows that the rule is not being followed everywhere.

Research indicates that later morning wake-up times are better for adolescents’ physical health, according to Sildvee. The municipality, however, says reorganising public transport could cost €500,000.

The municipality is required to provide school transport, but parents say it is currently providing transport at the wrong time. Sildvee said that, based on his own family’s experience, schools could also start at 9 a.m.

The programme will air on ETV on Wednesday at 8.05 p.m.