Santiago Schools Face Delays as Renovations and Shortages Hamper Start of Academic Year

Santiago's schools are struggling to prepare for the upcoming academic year, with several educational centers facing significant renovation and infrastructure challenges that threaten their readiness. Institutions like the Politécnico Ulises Francisco Espaillat and the Rafaela Jiminián de Cruz school are among those where construction work has started late or is progressing too slowly to meet the August 24th start date.

The Dominican Teachers' Association (ADP) has highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Enma Balaguer school and the years-long construction of Padre Vidal, noting that these facilities will also not be ready for students. Compounding these issues, the Isaías Franco school has had its early childhood classrooms unusable for over six years, and the Doctora Teresa Peña Silverio school has had wall problems for about a decade.

Beyond infrastructure, Miguel Jorge, president of the ADP in Santiago, pointed out a deficit in teachers and support staff. He cited the Hermanos Miguel center, which needs five teachers, and El Papayo school, which requires six. Jorge also questioned where hundreds of unplaced students will go if schools lack available space. Despite these serious concerns, the ADP has decided teachers will attend classes on the scheduled date as a sign of responsibility, but they will continue to press the Ministry of Education for solutions. The union also demands the completion of teacher performance evaluations, payment of incentives and back pay, and the finalization of evaluations for those who couldn't complete them.