Ho Chi Minh City has reduced the number of principals and vice-principals by 2,745, a 46.7% cut, after largely completing the reorganization of its public school network. This figure surpasses initial projections. Nguyen Tan Phat, Director of the Department of Education and Training, announced this at a Ho Chi Minh City socio-economic meeting on 4/9.

The city's number of public schools decreased from 2,188 to 1,486, a 32% reduction. Specifically, kindergarten and primary schools saw reductions of 268 and 282 institutions respectively, while secondary schools decreased by 137.

The reduction in management staff, which included 465 principals and 930 vice-principals according to mid-August figures, was higher than originally anticipated. Ho Chi Minh City currently faces a shortage of approximately 1,000 professional positions. As a result, surplus personnel will be reassigned appropriately, and the recruitment of new teachers and staff has been halted.

Post-reorganization, the number of inter-level primary and secondary schools increased from 14 to 44, which facilitates resource sharing and streamlined management.

Students and teachers at Tran Dai Nghia Primary School, Binh Hung Hoa ward, August 2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

For the current academic year, Mr. Phat outlined the city's objectives: stabilizing the newly merged institutions, consolidating and standardizing teaching staff and management, and implementing initiatives such as: artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor microchips, STEM/STEAM education, and a project to establish English as a second language.

Nationwide, the reorganization and merger of public schools were largely completed by 30/8. This initiative aims to establish larger institutions, transitioning from "education management" to "education development governance" to enhance overall quality. The Ministry of Education and Training reported that over 32,620 principals and vice-principals across the country will either transition to teaching roles, retire, or seek new employment.

Le Tuyet