The Riga City Council has appointed Sarmīte Arbidāne, a specialist from Rēzekne, as the new director of the Riga Natālijas Draudziņas Secondary School. This decision comes in the wake of the resignation of the previous director, Māris Zāģeris, who stepped down in November 2025 after reported dissatisfaction from around 20 teachers regarding his chaotic and unfair management style. The Council's interim head of the Education, Culture, and Sports Department, Ivars Balamovskis, noted that Arbidāne brings substantial experience in education, both pedagogically and in leadership roles, alongside her experience as an educational methodologist in the municipality.

The previous director's tenure had faced significant challenges, notably a shortage of teachers which led to several classes being canceled. This situation reportedly began after Zāģeris assumed the role in August of the previous year, during which time teachers expressed their grievances publicly. The appointment of Arbidāne is viewed as a move to stabilize the institution and address the issues that have plagued it under Zāģeris’s leadership, emphasizing a need for effective management and a supportive educational environment.

Arbidāne's background and expertise in education are expected to play a crucial role in her new position as she aims to restore the school's reputation and enhance its functioning. With a history tied to Rēzekne, her local knowledge could also be invaluable in building positive relationships within the school community and addressing the needs of students and educators alike. The implications of her appointment for the overall educational landscape in Riga, particularly in handling teacher retention and satisfaction, remain to be seen.