Principal of 'mega-school' with over 10,500 students: no major difficulties have arisen yet

The principal of Nha Trang Primary School, a "mega-school" with over 10,500 students, stated no major management challenges have been encountered and will apply digital transformation to enhance work efficiency.

Nha Trang Primary School is drawing national attention as the largest school nationwide after a recent reorganization. With 287 classes, over 10,500 students, and 13 vice principals, the school was established by the People's Committee of Nha Trang Ward in late August, merging 13 former primary schools. Personnel decisions were announced on 3/9.

Managing a "mega-school" with diverse campuses and varying facilities presents challenges, yet Principal Chau Dinh Mai Phuong reported no major difficulties have arisen. "At this stage, we are highly focused on developing and unifying plans for the entire school to operate synchronously," Ms. Phuong said. A key solution is to promote digital transformation, with meetings shifting to an online format. This change reduces travel pressure on teachers, allowing them to focus maximally on their expertise at their respective campuses.

Ms. Phuong (9th from left) and members of the Nha Trang Primary School Board of Directors received their appointment decisions on 3/9. Photo: People's Committee of Nha Trang Ward

Regarding personnel, the school has established a framework and clearly assigned responsibilities to its 13 vice principals. In addition to overseeing campuses and school sites, each vice principal also takes on other areas such as professional development, emulation, security and order, semi-boarding, and universal education. The principal and vice principals are also divided into 3 teams, rotating to inspect, supervise, and support the campuses. Ms. Phuong recognized an advantage in this structure, stating, "Former principals, now vice principals, continue to be in charge of their previous locations, so they understand the personnel, characteristics, and actual situation well."

For teacher allocation, the school maintains existing work locations to ensure stability. School sites with shortages will have teachers reallocated from areas with surpluses while ensuring appropriate professional assignments. Additionally, the school is compiling a list of facilities to request local support. For the semi-boarding segment, the school contracts with a dedicated team of caterers and caregivers, unifying a common nutritional menu across the entire system, overseen by teachers and parents.

The nationwide public school network reorganization was largely completed on 31/8, with an average reduction of approximately 50% in the number of schools. Khanh Hoa Province saw a higher reduction rate, with only 246 schools remaining compared to the initial 728 entities.