School No.17 principal fired after boy dies on football pitch

Principal of School No.17 Sh.Bolor-Erdene was fired on Thursday for failing to ensure safety on school grounds which resulted in an accident that killed a boy on the school’s football pitch on June 18.

Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold has assigned a taskforce to investigate the death of an 11-year-old who died after a goal post fell on his head at School No.79’s football pitch.

Following orders from the mayor, the Ulaanbaatar Inspection Agency and Ulaanbaatar Education Office conducted an onsite inspection at the school.

The football pitch at School No.79 was built by Bayanzurkh Tokhijilt LLC in 2012 with investment from the Bayanzurkh Mayor’s Office. The school started using the football pitch starting November 2012, after registering it under its ownership.

Deputy Head of the Ulaanbaatar Education Office L.Dash-dembemberel stated on June 21, “A taskforce comprised of associated specialists have been working on this case for two days. We’re aiming to get statements and insights from all sides involved. The Law on Primary and Secondary Education specifies the rights and obligations of principals of general educations schools. It states that the principal is obliged to ensure the safety of school grounds and nearby areas, and take measures to prevent accidents.”

It was reported that a criminal case has been started at the Bayanzurkh District Police Department in accordance with the said law. The taskforce met with family member of the deceased to express their condolences.

Regarding this issue, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports Ts.Tsogzolmaa gave a statement saying, “I want to apologize and express my condolences to the family of the deceased boy. As soon as the incident occurred, our ministry assigned a taskforce and reviewed the situation. Apparently, an iron goal post hit the child and killed him. School administrations must inspect the safety of school grounds. If it’s unsafe, children should not be allowed to play. The administration of School No.79 will be held accountable in accordance with the law. They must apologize to the boy’s family.”

She added, “It’s time to evaluate the safety of school grounds from now on. We will carry out an inspection and make a list of all unsafe schools.”