Hendrik Agur, the director of the Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Center, has proposed that transition schools in Estonia that are shifting to Estonian-language instruction should be nationalized temporarily. This suggestion emphasizes the need for school leadership to be filled with individuals who are proficient in and supportive of the Estonian language, especially in areas like Ida-Virumaa where many Russian-speaking students continue to receive their education in Russian. Agur highlights the ongoing existence of basic schools in cities such as Kohtla-Järve, Sillamäe, and Narva which provide education in Russian, indicating a lag in the transition to Estonian-language education.

Agur points out that while municipalities are often blamed for the lack of progress in language policy, the direct responsibility lies with teachers, school administrators, and local government officials. He underscores the importance of their commitment to ensuring that students not only receive education but also acquire proficiency in Estonian. This issue is particularly pressing in Ida-Virumaa, where the cultural and linguistic diversity poses unique challenges. Agur questions whether there is a true desire to staff these schools with dedicated teachers who can support students in learning Estonian, or whether the effort has merely been superficial and ineffective, leaving students unprepared to engage in society.

The comments made by Agur reflect broader challenges in Estonia's integration policies. With a significant portion of the population being Russian-speaking, the education system's structure plays a crucial role in social cohesion and national identity. His call for nationalization of schools indicates a strong push towards ensuring that the educational framework not only serves immediate needs but also aligns with the national interest of promoting the Estonian language and culture. This could have implications for future policy decisions concerning language education and the integration of minorities in Estonia.