UPDATE: Former Minister of Education Vesna Bratić has been cleared of financial liability for the dismissal of approximately 40 school directors, following a ruling that rejected a state lawsuit against her. This urgent development was confirmed in a court decision obtained by Pobjeda, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding educational leadership in the region.
The court ruled that Bratić’s actions in removing the directors were not unlawful, despite the directors claiming they were dismissed without due process. The presiding judges dismissed the state’s demands for Bratić to compensate for damages, which exceeded 18,000 EUR, effectively absolving her of any financial responsibility.
This ruling comes after a tumultuous period in 2021, during which Bratić dismissed over 140 directors from their positions, alleging they had failed to adhere to regulations and had not established necessary school boards. However, the dismissed directors successfully argued in court that they were obstructed from forming these boards due to the Ministry’s failure to propose its representatives, thereby invalidating the grounds for their dismissals.
In a statement following the ruling, the legal representative for the state announced intentions to appeal the decision in the Higher Court, indicating that the legal battle is far from over. Meanwhile, the same representative has initiated two additional lawsuits against Bratić, seeking accountability for the dismissal of around 100 directors.
As of now, the financial implications for the state have been substantial, with reports indicating that over 280,000 EUR has already been paid to the dismissed directors. The ongoing legal disputes highlight significant tensions within the educational administration and raise questions about governance and accountability.
The next steps in this evolving story will be crucial, as the appeal process could lead to further ramifications for Bratić and the Ministry of Education. Observers and stakeholders in the education sector are urged to monitor these developments closely, given the potential impact on leadership structures within schools across the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
