The urban primary school De Kleine Planeet in Zottegem is facing a leadership shake-up as it searches for a new director. On 2025-05-20 15:29:00, it was confirmed that current director Sofie Van Nevel declined the city’s mediation proposal following an internal conflict.
- De Kleine Planeet zoekt nieuwe directeur
- Sofie Van Nevel weigert bemiddelingsvoorstel
- Directeur werkt tijdelijk vanuit zusterschool
- Conflict ontstond tussen directeur en leerkrachten
- Continuïteit leiding school ontbreekt sinds pensioen
- Stad Zottegem worstelt met schoolbestuur
Interestingly, Van Nevel will continue her role for the remainder of the school year, but not from De Kleine Planeet’s Wolvenstraat location. Instead, she will work from the sister school De Smidse in Erwetegem. This unusual arrangement was part of the city’s offer, which allowed her to remain director but required her absence from the primary school itself.
What does this mean for the future of De Kleine Planeet and its community? Let’s explore the implications of this leadership challenge and what it signals for Zottegem’s urban education.
Why did the city propose such an unconventional solution? Could this be a sign of deeper issues within the school’s management? Since Chris De Both’s retirement, who led both De Smidse and De Kleine Planeet for many years, continuity at the helm has been elusive. This raises questions about how Zottegem can ensure stable leadership moving forward.
- The conflict involved Van Nevel and some teachers, though details remain private.
- The city’s mediation suggested Van Nevel lead remotely, reflecting tensions on-site.
- Leadership continuity has been a struggle since the previous director’s retirement.
As De Kleine Planeet looks ahead, the city and school community must prioritize finding a director who can unify staff and secure a stable learning environment. Will Zottegem rise to the challenge and restore confidence in its urban primary schools?
