A veteran rebbe/teacher employed in the Shas Education Network was ousted from his position, reportedly for refusing to remove a child from the classroom unable to bring payment for the annual school trip. The rebbe over the past months has been waging a legal battle as the rebbe accuses the school principal of corruption. It is pointed out the director was cited in the past for inappropriate handling of money.

The rav filed his complaint with the Eretz Chemda Beis Din was awarded payout after it was determined some of his claims were indeed founded. During the case, the beis din did learn of misappropriate activities regarding the running of the school, which has since closed its doors. However, the principal continues working in the Shas-affiliated network in a more senior position, in a supervisorial capacity.

The rav explained the school was not run properly, and this included demanding sums of money from parents contrary to the law and school regulations. The rebbe explains he has complained in the past of untenable conditions in his overcrowded classroom which is in a caravan without air conditioning. He quotes the principal saying “I will make sure to get you out of here”.

In his petition, the rebbe cites dozens of issues regarding the “problematic actions of the school towards students”, citing a case in which the rebbe refused to expel a child who was short NIS 10 for the annual school trip. The rebbe explains that the principal instructed him not to permit the child back into class but when checked with the child’s parents, he learned the child bought candy with the NIS 10 and brought NIS 20 to school instead of NIS 30.

The rebbe explained that he told the school principal that ousting a child over the NIS 10 would have a profound negative impact and therefore he would not comply. The beis din however did not see eye-to-eye, asking the rebbe why he did not comply with the principal’s instructions. The rebbe explained once again that the punishment was too severe.

The principal told the beis din the teacher refused to forge grades of some of his students and this was another reason for his dismissal. The principal explains that he instructed the rebbe to increase the grades of some of his students but he refused. “I want excellence” the principal is quoted saying, adding that after the rav refused to comply, he told the principal to do so himself but the latter refused.

The principal explained he did not ask him to forge the grades of student but rather to weigh in one’s efforts and hishtadlus.

The beis din ruled the rebbe was partially correct and instructed the education network to pay him NIS 26,130 in addition to the severance pay compelled by law.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)