From July 1, 2023, localities in Vietnam will begin a pilot program to merge public educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, and continuing education centers. The initiative aims to reduce the number of educational facilities by at least 30%, thereby creating larger school models with multiple branches and enhancing administrative efficiency.

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has issued a directive to provincial and municipal authorities, outlining the necessary steps for this restructuring. The pilot program must be completed by August 30, 2023, to ensure that the new management structures are in place for the upcoming school year 2026-2027.

The restructuring will involve merging management entities within the same area to form larger educational institutions, which will be governed by a new management model. This approach is expected to lead to a more streamlined administrative process and ultimately improve the quality of education.

By December 30, 2023, local authorities will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot program's impacts and gather insights to inform future phases of the project. Following this evaluation, a broader implementation of mergers across educational facilities is planned to commence on March 30, 2027.

The MoET emphasizes that the goal of this restructuring is not only to reduce the number of administrative positions but also to increase the number of teaching staff directly involved in education. The ministry aims to maintain stable student numbers across various branches to ensure effective teaching and learning.

In terms of personnel management, the restructuring may lead to surplus staff. The ministry has outlined two primary models for the new educational institutions. The first model involves large-scale single-level schools with branches, while the second encompasses large multi-level schools that may operate at different locations.

Each model will include a principal, vice principals, and shared administrative staff, ensuring that educational support personnel are available according to the specific needs of each branch. Local authorities are tasked with developing plans to address the needs of surplus staff, which may include reassignment to educational roles at the local level or other suitable positions based on individual capabilities and job requirements.

Overall, the restructuring of educational facilities in Vietnam is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and quality of the education system, aligning with the government's broader goals for educational reform.