To launch the new school year, 75 classes were added to the student population in Betar Illit, Kikar Shabbos reports. Of the 16,000 students comprising the city’s educational network, 7,500 are in kindergarten. Almost one-third is in kindergarten, testimony to the youth and vibrancy that exists in the community.

The 75 new classes represent over a 10% increase in the overall number, which is 600. Mayor R’ Meir Rubinstein explains that constructing new schools and addressing the growth of the population remains at the forefront of priorities for his administration. He proudly announces most mosdos have moved from temporary quarters and caravans, now settled in permanent structures.

65 new classrooms were built, along with 10 kindergartens, and 6 more are in the works. Once the required permits are in hand, construction of dozens of talmid torah, yeshiva ketana and school classrooms will get underway in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Mifal HaPayis lottery authority.
   
In line with the opening of the 5770 school year, senior city officials, including the mayor, are visiting mosdos and seeing the situation for themselves – speaking with educators and directors to better understand the situation and future needs.

R’ Rubinstein adds the city places a major emphasis on road safety, especially with the realization that thousands of children are coming to and from schools daily.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)