Hemiksem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The principal of Het Klaverbos in Hemiksem will not return from September 1, 2025. De Regenboog’s principal temporarily manages both schools with the support of the municipality and external stakeholders, amid ongoing protests and a review.
As VRT News reported, the principal of Het Klaverbos, a municipal primary school in Hemiksem, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, will not return to her post on September 1, 2025. Tensions had been growing inside the school for months. Teachers and parents raised concerns about her management and the decisions she made.
What happens to Het Klaverbos’ leadership in Hemiksem after the principal leaves?
City spokesperson Goossens confirmed the principal will not resume her duties.
“There is still a process underway regarding the director, and I cannot comment on that yet. But what I can confirm is that the current director of Het Klaverbos will not start on September 1,”
he said.
The principal of De Regenboog will temporarily divide her responsibilities between 2 schools. She will receive support from the head of education of the municipal education department and an external consultant. Officials emphasised that this arrangement is temporary because it is difficult for one principal to lead 2 schools at the same time.
“The most important thing is that the children can start their school year well with teachers who feel comfortable at school.”
Rita Goossens (N-VA), alderman for education
The education counsellor said,
“We hope that calm can return and that parents and teachers see that we are actively working on this issue and not postponing it.”
She added that the most important priority is for children to start the school year in a positive environment, with teachers who feel supported and confident in their roles.
The leadership of 2 municipal primary schools in Hemiksem has faced major challenges this year. In June 2025, parents and teachers of Het Klaverbos held a silent protest at the town hall, criticising the principal’s management and policies. The municipal council responded by starting an external review of the school’s situation.
