The implementation of the “Restart in Education” reform could be postponed until 2028 in the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti, as well as in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. The Ministry of Education and Research has submitted to the Parliament a set of amendments to the reform, one of which provides for the application of the new rules a year later than in the rest of the country, reports IPN.
The Minister of Education, Dan Perciun, explained that, in the case of the municipality of Chisinau, the local authorities have opposed the reform and have blocked the preparations for its implementation. According to him, in the additional year, the municipal authorities must demonstrate that the current management model can solve the problems in the capital’s schools.
The Minister further states that, in the case of the municipality of Balti, the postponement was decided following discussions with local authorities and to ensure a uniform approach in the two municipalities with distinct status. During this period, schools in Bălți are expected to transition to financial self-management, and the authorities are to clarify aspects regarding property delimitation.
For UTA Gagauzia, Dan Perciun stated that the region has a special legal status, and the reform does not foresee changes in the subordination of educational institutions. The additional year is expected to allow the completion of some political and institutional processes currently underway in the region.
The “Restart in Education” reform provides for the creation of 35 Territorial Education Agencies, directly subordinate to the Ministry of Education. They will take over some of the responsibilities of the regional and municipal education, youth and sports directorates. The Ministry of Education estimates that the project will be voted on in the second reading by the end of August or the beginning of September.
