Penza, 15 August 2013. PenzaNews. Time left before the start of 2013–2014 school year must be used as efficiently as possible to prepare Penza schools to receive students. This was stated by the head of the city Yuri Alpatov at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the City Duma on education, health, science, culture and social affairs on Thursday, August 15.

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In particular, he instructed the head of education department of Penza Yuri Golodyaev to control the issuance of free textbooks ordered by schools as part of the federal standard.

“The situation that emerged last year, when children – though through no fault of ours – were left without textbooks, is unacceptable,” he emphasized.

Moreover, the head of the city pointed out that the work on providing low-income and large families with stationery must be completed in accordance with the plan until August 25.

“I invite the deputies to participate in the activities organized in the city. It is necessary to find out if people still need help, and take part in solving the question if we are able to do this,” said Yuri Alpatov.

He drew special attention to the question of safety of school children and welcomed the fact that some 60 Penza schools will be provided with the elements of Access control system by September 1.

“There is a big problem with parking, it is necessary to deal with it. In addition, it is necessary to use CCTV recordsto establish the local residents who walk their dogs on the school grounds. This is usually the same people. It is necessary to restore order,” the head of the city added.

According to Yuri Alpatov, the problem of drug abuse, alcohol and tobacco use is of particular importance, and must be addressed, including by conducting prevention activities at schools.

“We can involve professionals to develop the program and starting from September actively work with students and their parents. It is necessary to talk, to convince and do everything possible to ensure that our young people stay healthy,” he said.