In Palencia, the administrative court recognized that the dismissal of the principal and the entire management team of El Cruce de Castilla school in the town of Venta de Baños was accompanied by serious violations. The judge saw indications of criminal conduct in the actions of the regional education authority and sent the case materials to the criminal court. The decision not to renew the management’s mandate was made on March 13, 2025, without providing any explanation, causing an outcry among staff and parents.
Judicial assessment and authorities’ response
In its decision, the judge described the dismissal procedure as “contaminated from the start” and noted the presence of “falsified documents” and “absurd procedures.” According to EL PAÍS, the regional education authority has already announced its intention to appeal the court’s decision. The authorities insist they acted within the law, but the court pointed to pressure from leadership and interference in the work of the school board.
Conflict within the education system
School principal R. A. R. and secretary S. R. F. had previously repeatedly complained of possible workplace pressure and administrative violations by regional officials. According to them, after they reported the problems, instead of receiving support, they faced disciplinary actions, which they saw as retaliation. The principal points out that her decisions have always complied with the law and were aimed at protecting the interests of children and families, however, this did not suit the regional leadership.
Consequences for the school and the region
The dismissal of the management came as a surprise to the staff: there had been no similar cases in the province in the past 13 years. According to the former principal, the situation is not just a one-off mistake, but points to a systemic problem. The labor inspectorate also announced its intention to fine the regional authorities for violations in this case. The court decision emphasizes that interference by regional bodies undermined the independence of the school board, and one of the key documents used to justify the dismissal was found to be completely unreliable.
Accusations and next steps
Those held responsible for the situation include the former leadership of the regional education department as well as high-ranking officials, including Rocío Lucas and José Antonio Rubio. The school team claims these individuals were aware of what was happening from the very start. The school secretary noted that over the year-long investigation, the staff suffered pressure and suspension from work, and actions of inspectors and officials, in his view, broke the law. He stressed that such situations are unacceptable within the education system.
Questions regarding violations in the regional education administration have already been raised in the parliament of Castile and León. Opposition representatives demanded explanations from Rocío Lucas, who stated that the decision not to renew the term was made in accordance with procedure. Such conflicts in education are not uncommon: previously, in Madrid, a court considered a case of financial violations at a university, which also sparked widespread public reaction.
