The Ministry of Education and Training has requested Quang Ninh province to temporarily suspend school mergers.

The Ministry of Education and Training has just requested Quang Ninh province to temporarily suspend the implementation of plans to merge public schools.

A delegation from the Ministry of Education and Training recently conducted an inspection and held a working session with the Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Education and Training regarding the merger of public schools in the locality.

Accordingly, since the end of October, in implementing the policy of reorganizing the network of educational institutions, Quang Ninh province has carried out large-scale mergers of schools to streamline the system and improve management efficiency. However, the rapid and widespread implementation has led to many shortcomings, impacting the quality of education and the stability of the teaching staff.

Many schools in Quang Ninh have revealed numerous shortcomings after mergers.

PHOTO: NH

According to a representative from the Department of General Education (Ministry of Education and Training), statistics show that the entire province has reduced 280 out of a total of 570 public educational institutions, equivalent to nearly 50%, in a short period of time. Specifically, the number of schools under the direct management of commune-level People's Committees has been reduced from 477 to 212, a reduction of more than half. At the lower secondary level, some areas have merged 3-4 schools into one, far exceeding the professional recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training's assessment, the mergers have resulted in a dramatic increase in the size of schools, classes, and school branches. A report from the Quang Ninh Department of Education and Training shows that 81 educational institutions in 36 communes and wards exceed the regulations of Circular 13/2020 and Circular 23/2024. Of these, 13 schools have between 10 and 16 school branches, 7 schools have over 70 classes, and exceptionally, Bai Chay Primary School has 95 classes and Ly Thuong Kiet Primary School has 97 classes, 2.5 times the permitted level.

Many schools in Quang Ninh have increased the number of classes, exceeding regulations.

PHOTO: NH

There is a surplus of management staff and employees in many places, while the organizational structure is not yet stable, and the transfer of teachers between schools is facing many difficulties.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training's assessment, the school mergers in Quang Ninh not only lead to staffing overload but also affect specialized educational models, especially ethnic boarding and semi-boarding schools. Many schools, after the mergers, no longer meet the required percentage of semi-boarding students as stipulated in Circular 03/2023, resulting in the loss of eligibility for support policies for ethnic minority and mountainous regions. Students in remote areas face greater difficulties in transportation and access to education.

Infrastructure is also a major bottleneck. Although the number of schools has decreased, the number of students, classrooms, and boarding needs has increased, while many places have not received investment to expand classrooms, kitchens, toilets, dormitories, or transportation. This situation poses a risk of overcrowding and safety issues in school life.

Furthermore, the rapid pace of mergers has disrupted teachers, students, and parents, leading to psychological instability. Some schools have had to organize classes at multiple locations, causing inconvenience in management and professional activities, and affecting the quality of teaching.

A comprehensive impact assessment is required.

In light of these shortcomings, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued a document requesting Quang Ninh province to temporarily suspend further merger plans in order to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment, including professional, social, and financial aspects.

The Ministry of Education and Training has requested Quang Ninh to temporarily suspend the implementation of further merger plans in order to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment.

PHOTO: NH

The Ministry of Education and Training also requested the province to reorganize its personnel structure in accordance with Circulars 19/2023 and 20/2023, review the number of deputy principals and staff, and adjust the staffing levels to suit the actual situation. At the same time, it granted the Department of Education and Training the flexibility to recruit and transfer teachers across communes to ensure that teaching and learning are not interrupted.

The Ministry of Education and Training requires a review and increased investment in infrastructure and teaching equipment, especially in mountainous, rural, and island areas; maintaining school locations in difficult areas, and avoiding mergers that would jeopardize boarding and day-boarding opportunities for ethnic minority students.

In addition, the Ministry of Education and Training proposed studying mechanisms to support teachers affected by mergers, especially those who have to teach at multiple school locations or in specialized schools whose models are being changed.

The assessment by the Department of General Education also indicates that the school mergers in Quang Ninh, while stemming from the goal of streamlining and modernizing the education system, have revealed many problems in organization and management. The Ministry of Education and Training's request for a temporary halt is considered a necessary step to evaluate and adjust policies, ensuring that the educational reform process is more effective, sustainable, and humane.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bo-gd-dt-yeu-cau-quang-ninh-tam-dung-sap-nhap-truong-hoc-185251105092553504.htm