Dominican Republic faces severe school infrastructure and staffing deficits ahead of new academic year

The national leader of the Dominican Teachers' Association (ADP), Sixto Gabín, warned that critical deficiencies threaten the start of the upcoming school calendar. He cited a shortfall of about 28,000 classrooms, more than 200,000 students lacking enrollment places, over 600 schools in serious disrepair, a shortage of more than 3,000 teachers, and many qualified candidates awaiting appointment after passing competitive exams.

Gabín also highlighted the absence of textbooks, the lack of science laboratories in most schools, and insufficient support staff for the Extended School Day program. He urged the Ministry of Education (MINERD) to conduct a transparent assessment and implement urgent measures, stating, "the response that MINERD offers in the coming weeks will be decisive to avoid a school‑year start marked by conflicts and teachers' claims."