Israeli School Principals Escalate Protest Over Education Ministry Budget Cuts Ahead of New Year

Less than two weeks before the start of the school year, Israeli school principals are intensifying their dispute with the Ministry of Education, accusing it of making decisions that harm students most in need of support. Abigail Samin, co-chair of the "Leaders" organization and principal of Ort Comprehensive High School in Yehud, sharply criticized the ministry for implementing budget cuts without consulting school leaders who must execute these policies on the ground. She said principals have tried for months to engage in dialogue with the ministry but encountered resistance and a disconnect from reality.

Samin highlighted that budget reductions target special education and at-risk youth programs, with principals discovering cuts during the summer break that undermine their planned support for these students. Additionally, changes to funding mechanisms for long-term substitute teachers have left schools without adequate resources to maintain educational continuity. Samin also addressed a proposed plan from the Finance Ministry to employ teachers on personal contracts, noting it is still a proposal with some positive elements, such as rewarding responsibility rather than seniority, but requires further negotiations and approvals.

In response to the perceived lack of communication and support, school principals have launched protest measures, including boycotting Ministry of Education conferences and halting routine interactions until meaningful dialogue resumes. While Samin placed some responsibility on the Education Minister, she emphasized that others within the ministry are obstructing reasonable decision-making. Despite the escalation, the "Leaders" organization stressed their goal is not to harm students and expressed hope the school year will begin normally on September 1, provided the ministry returns to negotiations and ensures schools receive necessary budgets and resources.