Vietnam Orders Completion of Post-Merger School Leadership by End of September

The Vietnamese government has issued a decree requiring the completion of leadership and support staff appointments in educational institutions formed after school mergers by September 30, 2026. According to Decree 37, promulgated on August 5, each educational institution established after a merger will be staffed with one principal or director. For kindergartens, general education schools, and continuing education centers, the main campus will have one vice-principal or vice-director, and each branch campus will have one vice-principal or vice-director. This directive is part of Vietnam's ongoing efforts to consolidate and reorganize educational institutions, aiming to stabilize post-merger operations and maintain or improve educational quality. Under Vietnam's one-party system, government directives are typically implemented rigorously nationwide, and this decree is seen as a measure to enhance the efficiency and standardization of educational administration. As Vietnam continues its economic growth, addressing the increasing demand for education, particularly in urban areas, remains a pressing issue. School mergers and reorganizations are considered a policy tool to optimize resource utilization and deliver higher quality educational services.