Crisis at the start of the school year: ADP reports critical conditions in 42 educational centers
The start of the 2026-2027 school year has been marked by controversy following complaints from the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP). Its president, Eduardo Hidalgo, reported that dozens of educational centers nationwide were unable to begin classes due to critical infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of support staff, contradicting the official stance of the Ministry of Education.
Hidalgo pointed out that, although the union urged teachers to return to the classrooms, the reality in many schools has prevented a normal start to academic activities. Among the most concerning cases, he highlighted the Federico Enríquez y Carvajal Polytechnic, where the parent community decided to halt classes due to the lack of cleaning staff.
Fathers and mothers say that it is not possible, that it is even inhumane for a single janitor to have to clean 42 classrooms.
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP
A national uprising reveals structural flaws
The survey conducted by the ADP identifies 42 educational centers in critical condition. According to the report, the deficiencies range from cracked walls and ceilings to severe leaks and bathrooms in unsanitary conditions. These issues have been reported in various areas of the country, including:
- Guayubín and La Vega.
- Santiago and Neiba.
- San Pedro de Macorís.
- Greater Santo Domingo, with emphasis on Villa Mella and Sabana Perdida.
The Ministry of Education’s position
For his part, the Minister of Education, Luis Miguel De Camps, maintained an optimistic stance during the official opening of the school year. The official assured that most of the challenges detected are under control and guaranteed that the system has the capacity to cover the enrollment of more than 2.08 million students in the public sector.
Regarding improvements for administrative and support staff, De Camps explained that, due to the budgetary impact generated by the Teacher Performance Evaluation, such demands will have to be postponed. This explanation has not been sufficient for the teachers’ union, which demands an immediate response to the precarious conditions that affect the day-to-day life of schools.
Hidalgo concluded by emphasizing the urgency of the situation, urging the authorities to expedite the necessary interventions to guarantee a dignified learning environment for Dominican students.
