School Network Reorganization to Reduce Dong Thap’s Public Schools to 375

(DTO) Under a planned reorganization of its school network, Dong Thap Province will reduce the number of public educational institutions from 1,075 to 375, a decrease of 700 schools, or 65.1%. The restructuring aims to streamline the system, make more effective use of facilities and teaching staff, and improve the quality of education. 

Following the reorganization, Dong Thap will have 102 kindergartens; 125 primary schools, combined primary and lower secondary schools, and lower secondary schools; 53 combined lower secondary and high schools; and 78 high schools. 

The restructuring follows the principle that each commune or ward will generally have one kindergarten, one primary school, and one lower secondary school or combined-level school. 

Specialized schools, ethnic boarding schools, and high schools with sufficient enrollment will remain unchanged. High schools with fewer than 30 classes are expected to be merged with lower secondary schools in the same locality to form combined lower secondary and high schools. 

Le Quang Tri, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Education and Training, said that in preparation for the new academic year, the education sector has advised the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People’s Committee on implementing the school network restructuring plan. The objective is to streamline the system while ensuring and further improving the quality of teaching and learning. 

The restructuring will not be carried out through a mechanical approach. Instead, it will be based on the actual conditions of each locality. Priority will be given to merging nearby schools at the same educational level to create appropriately sized institutions, enabling more efficient use of facilities and better allocation of teaching staff. 

The mergers are also expected to allow schools to leverage each other’s strengths. Principals will be able to coordinate teachers more effectively across different campuses, enhance professional collaboration, and make better use of school facilities, providing students with a higher-quality learning environment. 

To meet the implementation timeline set by the central authorities and the province, the education sector will work closely with the Department of Home Affairs and local authorities to promptly carry out the plan, with the goal of completing the restructuring before August 15, after receiving approval from the competent authorities. 

This timeline will give schools sufficient time to stabilize their organizational structure and prepare the necessary conditions for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. 

By THU THUY
Translated by ANH DUC