### Budget Shortfall Forces American International School to End Academic Year Early

The Department of Education and Training in Ho Chi Minh City issued an open letter to teachers and staff, addressing concerns raised by some teachers to parents regarding a potential strike due to delayed salary payments.

In response, the AISVN principal announced that the academic year will end on April 26. Despite this, Grade 12 students will continue to receive assistance from teachers to prepare for the upcoming International Baccalaureate (IB) exams scheduled before May 17.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by AISVN, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has approved the adjusted academic schedule, considering the progress made in covering academic content.

The department emphasized that while the academic year is ending earlier than planned, the curriculum remains intact, albeit with a slight reduction in duration. The IBO has stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between students’ well-being and academic needs while addressing teachers’ concerns.

To earn an IB certificate, students must pass six exams in various subjects and levels, enabling them to apply to universities globally, including in the U.S.

The department also outlined its oversight responsibilities, ensuring the school continues to operate until the academic year’s conclusion and meets the essential needs of teachers and staff.

Regarding salary payments, the department clarified that decisions in this regard depend on parental contributions, as the school’s financial situation currently limits it to advancing only a portion of March salaries and rental payments for foreign teachers.

Despite contributions from nearly 750 out of over 1,000 parents, the school still faces a shortfall, with only a fraction of the required amount received. The school’s account balance is insufficient to cover operational expenses and salaries until the year’s end.

AISVN, established in 2006, follows the IB program and charges varying tuition fees based on grade levels. The school employs a significant number of foreign and Vietnamese teachers, along with other staff members.

In light of the recent strike by teachers and financial challenges, the school’s owner has appealed to parents for additional funds to ensure teachers’ salaries are paid and school operations are sustained until the academic year concludes in June.