Zoetermeer school shuts after janitor sexually abuses girls, director suspended
De Paulusschool in Zoetermeer closed Wednesday after staff shortages left the school unable to operate. The move comes as the school’s director, Marieke Vreeburg, was placed on administrative leave following an independent investigation into a child abuse case involving a 57-year-old janitor, Omroep West reports. Several teachers reportedly called in sick in solidarity, forcing the temporary closure.
The janitor, Oskar van der V., is accused of sexually abusing two girls at the school and secretly recording images and videos, potentially constituting child pornography.
Authorities seized hundreds of thousands of files. Van der V. was arrested in September 2025. According to the Public Prosecution Service, the sexual abuse involved “brief, superficial touches.”
The independent investigation, commissioned by the Unicoz education group in September 2025, found serious shortcomings in the director’s handling of the case. The report concluded that Vreeburg showed insufficient empathy and engagement toward parents and staff in her communication and actions regarding the allegations. Unicoz said it fully accepted the findings and recommendations.
In a letter to parents, the school board stated that Vreeburg is currently not present at the school and that discussions with her are ongoing. An experienced interim director has taken over leadership temporarily.
The report’s release also reportedly created tension among staff. Several teachers called in sick Wednesday in support of the director, leaving many students at home.
The situation has divided parents, Omroep West reports. Some expressed support for the director, who was visibly emotional after the allegations emerged, while others criticized the school for failing to respond to earlier warning signs of inappropriate behavior. Questions remain about how the janitor was able to create illicit material on school grounds without being detected.
The school board announced a series of preventive measures, including physical modifications to the building, such as changes to restroom doors and increased visibility in classrooms. Hiring procedures will also be tightened, with periodic background checks (VOG), mandatory reference checks, and greater focus on reporting obligations, record keeping, and training to detect inappropriate behavior.
