The scorched earth left by Kisch requires a professional Ministry of Education

An opinion article arguing that outgoing Education Minister Yoav Kisch leaves behind 'scorched earth' at the Ministry of Education, dismantling professional bodies, promoting religious-nationalist policies, persecuting liberal teachers, and cutting social budgets. The author calls for a separation between politics and pedagogical professionalism.

This opinion piece criticizes the tenure of outgoing Education Minister Yoav Kisch, claiming he leaves behind 'scorched earth' on two fronts: destructive policy decisions and a weakened management cadre. The author details how Kisch dismantled the Pedagogical Secretariat, boycotted the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation (RAMA), and promoted religious-nationalist policies, including support for private organizations in Haredi education and transferring budgets to religious entities. It is further alleged that Kisch persecuted liberal teachers and principals, cut social education budgets, and prevented implementation of the Shapira Committee recommendations for special education. The article calls for a clear separation between the political minister and professional staff units.