Reorganized schools, support classes, allowances for young teachers: what new Education Code of Moldova stipulates

The Education and Research Ministry (MEC) is proposing significant amendments to the Education Code, aimed at improving the quality of education and providing support to both pupils and teaching staff. The draft was examined today by the parliament’s commission for culture, education, research, youth, sport and mass media.

According to the document, one of the main measures is the reorganization of small schools. Thus, 73 institutions with fewer than 90 students will be reorganized and students will benefit from school transport and a monthly allowance of 1,000 lei for two years. Teaching staff will also receive support: teachers will be re-employed, as priority, in institutions from districts, with their transport costs covered. Teachers who cannot be employed in the same district may be assigned to other regions, receiving a relocation allowance of up to 300,000 lei. At present, almost 91 schools have fewer than 50 students and 247 have fewer than 90 students.

The document also provides for expanding access to Romanian language learning programs for children returning from the Diaspora and for the children of foreign citizens, following an increase in the number of such requests. At the same time, support groups will be created for children with severe disabilities, with a reduced number of pupils and assisted by two teachers, while maintaining their integration in mainstream classes. Support classes will also be organized in auxiliary schools.

Another provision is the reintroduction of grades in the 4th grade, starting from 1 September 2026, for examination subjects. Over the past ten years, primary teachers have used a system based on descriptors ("excellent", "very good").

The legislative initiative also provides for the granting of allowances to young teachers in technical vocational education institutions and in higher education. Financial support will be offered during the first five years of their teaching activity.

Also, starting from 1 January 2027, educational institutions with more than 400 pupils will be able to manage their financial resources independently. The school headmaster will manage the budget and plan procurements without depending on local public authorities. Presently, 939 schools already enjoy financial autonomy, while another 172 schools are managed by the accounting departments of local authorities.

The draft also regulates clear criteria for terminating the open-ended employment contracts of deputy headmasters and the obligation to organize public competitions for filling these positions. At present, almost 39 per cent of deputy headmasters hold their position for an indefinite period, while another 27 per cent are acting in an interim capacity.

Other provisions concern the recognition and equivalence of teaching qualifications, the regulation of student dormitories’ management, and the establishment of a centralized financial mechanism for internationalization.