The root of the problem lies in a reform introduced in 2021. At that time, education departments were subordinated to regional administrations rather than district heads. The new change now reverses this system, returning schools to the influence of local officials. The Todayinfo portal reports this, citing the Tizgin website.
The teaching community fears that this step will be a blow not only to the quality of education but also to the prestige of teachers in society. According to them, if schools are transferred to the district administration, teachers may once again become "free labor."
What threats concern teachers?
In an official appeal, educators warned that the system change could lead to the following consequences:
Forced labor: Teachers being compelled to sweep streets, participate in clean-up events, and election campaigns outside of class hours;
Corruption risks: The factor of "connections and acquaintances" taking precedence over professionalism when appointing school principals;
Dependence: Pressure on teachers to give high grades to relatives of district administration employees.
"We support beneficial initiatives like 'Clean Kazakhstan,' but we oppose the forced interruption of lessons," the appeal text states.
What did they ask the President?
According to experts, this step contradicts the standards of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In this regard, teachers are asking the Head of State to veto this part of the law and preserve the vertical management system of education.
Currently, plans are underway to publish an official petition on this issue. The community of teachers and parents intends to defend this initiative to the end.
