These provisions were outlined in the Circular on the Regulations for Parent Representative Boards, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on the afternoon of 30/9.

Under the new regulations, parent representative boards, commonly known as parent-teacher associations, are established for each class or school. Their responsibilities include coordinating with the school on various activities and representing parents in dialogues, discussions, and making recommendations to teachers and school management regarding student care, nurturing, management, and education.

However, these associations are explicitly forbidden from interfering with the school's administrative structure, operations, or professional activities. They cannot impose mandatory contributions, fix or allocate support levels, or set payment deadlines. Furthermore, they must not pressure or discriminate against individuals who do not contribute.

Parent-teacher associations are also prohibited from collecting, receiving, or managing any financial support. They cannot use the collective name of the association to solicit sponsorships for the school, nor can they collect, provide, use, or publicly disclose information about school personnel in violation of regulations.

If specific activities require voluntary support, parents can contribute essential goods or services, or pay directly to the service provider. Upon completion of such activities, the results must be publicly disclosed to ensure full transparency for all parents.

These new regulations will take effect from 15/11, replacing the existing charter from 2011. The Ministry stated that the previous charter had numerous shortcomings, including inadequate coordination mechanisms between families and schools, inconsistent management and use of voluntary contributions, and instances of over-collection and improper fundraising in some areas.

Students at an inter-level school in TP HCM, september 2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

Thanh Hang