Can Tho city announced on 20/8 that it has completed the merger and renaming of public schools across 103 communes and wards. This extensive reorganization achieved a reduction rate of approximately 65%, among the highest nationwide, and resulted in the establishment of 406 large-scale or multi-level schools.

The most significant reductions occurred in the preschool sector, which decreased from 329 to 103 units, and primary schools, which dropped from 481 to 102. High schools experienced the least impact, with 99 institutions remaining, a reduction of only 9. Following the mergers, most wards and communes now feature only one school at each educational level. Notable examples of these large-scale institutions include Nguyen Du Primary School, Vi Thanh, Vinh Thuan Dong, Ngoc To, and Cu Lao Dung, each formed by merging seven previous schools.

This reorganization directly impacted 750 principals and 330 vice-principals. Authorities plan to reassign these individuals to roles such as commune-level education officials, teachers, or support staff, or offer early retirement with benefits.

Can Tho's efforts align with a nationwide initiative to restructure the public school network. The national goal is to reduce at least 30% of school units and shift the focus from "education management" to "education development governance," aiming to enhance overall educational quality.

The Ministry of Education and Training estimates that approximately 17,100 school units, representing 45,7% of the total, will be reduced across the country. This will result in 20,000 principals and vice-principals becoming redundant and requiring reassignment to other positions.

Six junior high schools in Ninh Kieu ward merged to form Ninh Kieu Junior High School. Photo: An Binh.

An Binh