The head of the municipal lyceum has resigned following a scandal over the exclusion of children from school.

According to ТСН: The head of the municipal lyceum No. 109, Vitalija Poljakova, who was at the center of a media scandal regarding the exclusion of students from classes, decided to resign of her own accord.

Details of the dismissal and investigation

According to official documents, Poljakova submitted her resignation on December 16. This came after a long official investigation initiated due to an incident at the beginning of the school year.

Nadija Leschik noted that the investigation process has been delayed as the representative of the institution was often on sick leave or vacation. This forced the Ombudswoman to contact the pension fund and the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU) to verify the legitimacy of the sick leaves. As Leschik pointed out, the employer – the Department of Education of the Pechersk RDA – should have initiated such a verification.

How the conflict began

We recall that the sensational event took place in early September 2025. At that time, the parents of the students released video footage showing Vitalija Poljakova personally blocking access to the educational institution for children in shorts. She deemed their appearance 'inappropriate' and instructed the students to go home to change before coming to class.

Such actions by the administration sparked a wave of criticism from human rights activists and the parent community, as the current laws of Ukraine do not provide for the exclusion from classes due to a non-existent 'school dress code'.

Today, lyceum No. 109 is awaiting the appointment of a new head.

Earlier, the director of the institution explained her decision with safety considerations. She emphasized that her demand pertains not only to the dress code. The main reason is the protection of children during air raids and possible shelling. According to her, exposed body parts are more vulnerable in the event of injuries or contact with debris.

This incident raised important questions about the safety of students in educational institutions as well as the legality of the administration's actions in such situations. What changes will occur in the lyceum after Poljakova's resignation remains a question that requires attention and discussion in society.