Parents withdraw children four times to protest deputy principal

Parents at Kim Thuy ethnic boarding primary school in Kim Ngan commune have withdrawn their children from classes four times to protest the deputy principal following a food poisoning incident during the boarding meal program.

Most recently, on the morning of 4/12, despite heavy rain, over 50 parents took their children home when the deputy principal returned to work after a period of sick leave.

A parent stated that this action aims to protest the female deputy principal. Previously, on the morning of 26/9, 40 students at the school suffered vomiting and required emergency hospitalization after a boarding meal. Tests from the Pasteur Institute Nha Trang confirmed one of four food samples contained Bacillus cereus bacteria, a cause of acute food poisoning. The kitchen was under the deputy principal's management at that time.

"We are very upset", the parent said.

Parents picking up their children on the morning of 4/12. Photo: Dac Thanh

Kim Thuy ethnic boarding primary school has 199 students, with 75 of them staying in the boarding program from monday to friday each week.

Following the poisoning incident, on 2/10, the Kim Ngan communal people's committee suspended the deputy principal from work for 15 days for verification. After this period, the commune extended the suspension for a second 15-day term.

During this time, on one occasion when she arrived at school, parents immediately gathered to take their children home. They only allowed their children to return once the deputy principal had left. This situation has since recurred, totaling four times.

Do Van My, the school principal, stated the school awaits the final conclusion from authorities regarding the food poisoning incident. A dedicated team currently manages the school kitchen.

According to him, the school held numerous meetings, urging parents not to withdraw their children to avoid impacting their educational rights, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.

"Parents need to prioritize their children's education and rights", My said, adding that according to regulations, the deputy principal has the right to return to work after her suspension period ends.

Yesterday, the Kim Ngan communal people's committee requested the Quang Tri provincial people's committee to direct relevant agencies to issue an early conclusion on the incident, providing a basis for local resolution. Communal authorities are also coordinating with the police and the school to facilitate students' prompt return to school and stabilize their studies.