German teacher's transfer request to Ostfriesland denied over staff shortage

A 49‑year‑old teacher from Kreis Recklinghausen sought a rapid transfer to Ostfriesland after purchasing a house in Greetsiel and her partner starting a job there. The Bezirksregierung Münster refused the request, citing a personnel shortage in the Recklinghausen school district.

The teacher appealed, but the Verwaltungsgericht Gelsenkirchen upheld the authority's decision, emphasizing that civil servants must keep their residence aligned with their place of work. The Oberverwaltungsgericht Münster confirmed this ruling in an emergency procedure and declared the decision unchallengeable, noting a possible release could occur after up to two years.