These figures, based on reports from 34 localities, were disclosed at a conference on reorganizing general education institutions, organized by the Ministry of Education and Training on the afternoon of 5/8.

The total number of public schools is projected to decrease from 37,386 to 20,284. This will be achieved by establishing multi-level schools and converting many existing facilities into branch campuses or satellite schools. Under the new model, individuals will be responsible for each branch campus and satellite school, ensuring unified management of human resources, finance, and professional expertise.

Essential teaching locations, especially in remote, mountainous, border, and island areas, will be maintained to avoid any negative impact on students.

Mr. Thai Van Tai, Director General of the Department of General Education, speaking at the conference on 5/8. Photo: MOET

Thai Van Tai, Director General of the Department of General Education, acknowledged that the school reorganization impacts management staff, including principals and vice principals. The proposed solution is to prioritize reassigning them within the education sector or deploying them to areas with shortages. Those qualified to teach will be assigned teaching roles. Otherwise, they will receive benefits and policies as stipulated by regulations.

For school staff, localities will maintain positions for librarians, laboratory equipment managers, and health personnel. Administrative roles such as accountants, clerks, and treasurers will be streamlined.

Mr. Tai urged localities to review each individual and position, only offering benefits and policies when re-employment is not possible.

Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong emphasized the importance of reorganizing schools before the new academic year begins.

"If not executed well, it will affect the quality of teaching and learning, with a significant impact on students," he stated.

Nationwide school reorganization efforts aim to reduce at least 30% of school units, with some favorable areas seeing reductions of up to 50%. The Ministry of Education and Training believes that many current schools are small and fragmented, not aligning with development space and population scale. The reorganization seeks to shift from a "education management" mindset to "education development governance" to enhance quality.

Specifically, the reorganization involves streamlining school units, reducing administrative staff, increasing direct teaching staff, and forming larger educational institutions. Two models are being applied: large-scale single-level schools (with branch campuses and satellite schools) and inter-level general education schools.

This process must align with local realities, ensure stability, and minimize negative impacts on teaching, learning, and the morale of students, teachers, and parents. It strictly prohibits combining preschools with general education schools, general education schools with vocational education and continuing education centers, or specialized schools with mainstream schools.

In late 7, the Ministry estimated a nationwide reduction of approximately 11,000 schools, affecting over 20,000 principals and vice principals who would be subject to reassignment and reorganization. Among them, 11,000 individuals are expected to return to teaching roles.

Le Nguyen