School merger administrative disputes in Vietnam

In Nghe An province, the merger of a primary school and a lower secondary school into the Huu Khuong Semi-Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School led to local controversy. The appointment of the former primary school principal as the new head, while the former lower secondary principal was named vice principal, appeared to contradict provincial education guidelines that prioritize former lower secondary principals for such roles.

In response to public concern, the Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee ordered a review of personnel files and appointment processes in the Huu Khuong and Bac Ly communes to ensure transparency and adherence to regulations.

Similar administrative challenges have emerged in Ha Tinh province, where several inter-level schools have yet to appoint permanent principals. At the newly formed Duc Dong Primary and Secondary School—a merger of Dai Dong Primary, Duc Dong Primary, and Dong Lang Secondary—leadership vacancies persist due to candidate disputes and health issues.

Nguyen Van Loi, the former principal of Dai Dong Primary School, earned the highest score of 57.5 points under provincial guidelines but has requested a vice principal role instead, citing health concerns and the pressure of managing a larger institution. Meanwhile, Nguyen Cong Anh, the former principal of Dong Lang Secondary School, received 55.5 points and has formally questioned the scoring process. Mr. Anh specifically challenged the inclusion of three points related to cadre planning for the 2026-2031 term, arguing that neither he nor Mr. Loi should have qualified for those points.