Parents want to take over AISVN International School, investor makes commitment

At a press conference this afternoon, Ms. Le Thuy My Chau provided information on the situation of AISVN International School and stated that parents want to take over the school - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

This information was shared by Ms. Le Thuy My Chau, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, at a press conference providing information on socio-economic issues in Ho Chi Minh City, held this afternoon, March 21st.

AISVN International School suspends classes for students: What does the Department of Education and Training say?

The parents all expressed their reluctance to transfer schools.

Ms. Le Thuy My Chau stated that the American International School Vietnam (AISVN) is a private school located in Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon receiving information from the press and parents, the department directed its specialists to go to the schools to assess whether or not teachers were on strike.

AISVN International School has 129 foreign teachers and 26 Vietnamese teachers. On March 4th, only 53 teachers were absent, but they informed the school that the reason for their absence was illness. Yesterday, March 20th, 85 teachers were absent. At times, 18 or 19 teachers were absent.

After receiving the information, on March 4th, the Department of Education and Training drew up a report. On March 11th, the department invited the principal of AISVN International School to a meeting to hear a report on the plan for arranging student arrangements while teachers were absent from school in recent days.

Ms. Chau believes that with 1,213 students from various provinces and cities studying at AISVN International School, this issue is certainly significant for the city.

"This morning, the department received more than 20 parents who came to the office to complain. The parents all expressed their unwillingness to transfer schools and hoped that the Department of Education and Training would discuss the matter with the investor so that they could take over and operate the school. This is beyond the department's authority, as we only ensure the teaching and learning rights of the students," Ms. Chau emphasized.

The developer committed to securing investment funds within a week.

The leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training stated that during the meeting, the department clearly determined that even though it is a private school, the school principal is responsible for professional matters, must ensure the teaching and learning plan, and guarantee the quality of education for students.

At the same time, the professional department of the provincial education authority has guided and requested the principals to supervise professional activities and closely manage the teaching program; requested the principals to promptly report to the school board, encourage and guide teachers in performing their duties, and manage the use of foreign teachers in accordance with the law.

The Department of Education and Training also invited the school's investor to make a financial commitment. Simultaneously, delegations were organized to work with the school board. During these meetings between the department and the school board, the school owner stated that the school has been facing financial difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also stated that they are seeking investment funds to restructure the school. This has consequently affected the payment of salaries to foreign teachers.

The Department of Education and Training has also reported its solutions to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and proposed measures for handling the situation.

The first solution is to ensure students' learning is maintained. For parents, the department has established a hotline to receive feedback. In addition, the department has set up a team to handle complaints and petitions.

Ms. Chau added: "This morning, March 21st, we drew up a report and worked with the school board. There, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ut Em, chair of the school board of AISVN International School, committed to the Department that within a week she would attract investment funds to develop a roadmap and plan to ensure teaching and learning continue until the end of the school year. She also pledged to take full legal responsibility if she fails to fulfill her commitment."

According to Ms. Chau, currently in the city, there are schools teaching the IB program, including international schools and public schools. The Department of Education and Training has sent a document to schools requesting that school owners, school boards, and principals fulfill their commitment to teaching the IB program to students.

For education departments, private educational institutions should create all necessary conditions for parents when they need to transfer schools. This is a right of students that must be prioritized at this time.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phu-huynh-muon-tiep-quan-truong-quoc-te-aisvn-chu-dau-tu-dua-cam-ket-20240321174820786.htm