Haredi Kindergarten Networks Warn of Funding Crisis Threatening Next School Year

Leaders of Haredi kindergarten networks in Israel are urgently warning of a severe financial crisis that could jeopardize the operation of many kindergartens in the upcoming school year. The crisis stems from growing gaps between the actual salaries of veteran kindergarten teachers and the funding provided by the Ministry of Education, which does not cover these costs. This shortfall has led to significant deficits, threatening the sustainability of early childhood education frameworks in the Haredi sector.

In a special panel discussion on Kikar HaShabbat, Rabbi Israel Golomb, CEO of the Agudat Yisrael kindergarten network, Yaakov Segal, CEO of Gan Etz HaDaat, and accountant Avigail Shikovitzky detailed the financial strain. They explained that the current funding model is based on outdated averages that fail to reflect the true experience and seniority of teachers, especially those with 20 to 25 years of service. This results in networks having to cover large budget gaps from their own resources, a situation that is becoming existential rather than temporary.

The panelists highlighted that the crisis is particularly acute in cities like Modi'in Illit, where many veteran teachers work. They warned that thousands of children could be left without appropriate kindergarten frameworks if no solution is found. Additionally, the number of new kindergarten teacher trainees in Haredi seminaries has sharply declined, raising concerns about future teacher shortages.

A key demand from the networks is the implementation of the "Ofek Hadash" reform in Haredi kindergartens, which has not yet been applied. This reform would adjust salaries and funding to better reflect teachers' qualifications and experience, aligning them with those in the state education system. The panel also raised issues with incomplete funding for sick leave days, which further exacerbates budget deficits.

The leaders stressed that their request is not for increased budgets per se but for a funding mechanism that matches the real costs. Rabbi Golomb emphasized that all relevant government bodies recognize the problem, but practical decisions are still pending. Without immediate intervention, some kindergartens may be forced to close at the start of the next school year, impacting thousands of children and families across Israel.