Positions of deputy headmasters in schools to be filled through contest in Moldova; first contracts end on September 7

Employment contracts of deputy headmasters from public general education institutions covered by the new provisions of the Education Code will automatically end on September 7, 2026, and the positions will subsequently be filled through contest. The Education and Research Ministry (MEC) says the measure aims to ensure a transparent and competitive selection process, based on candidates’ professional skills.

The new provisions apply to deputy headmasters who have held their positions for more than five years, including periods served in an interim capacity, as well as those appointed indefinitely.

At the time the legislative amendments were adopted, more than 65 per cent of deputy headmasters from public general education institutions held their positions without having been selected through contest. Almost 39 per cent were employed indefinitely, while approximately 27 per cent served in an interim capacity.

The termination of employment relationships will be confirmed by an order issued by the institution’s headmaster, and the persons concerned must be informed of the decision within no more than five working days. September 7 will be their last working day under the contracts covered by the new regulations.

To avoid disrupting school activities at the beginning of the new academic year, institutions’ headmasters will appoint interim deputy principals concomitantly with the issuance of the orders terminating employment relationships. The interim appointments may last no more than six months, until the positions are filled through contest.

The MEC recommends that, as a rule, the same person whose employment contract has ended should be appointed as interim deputy headmaster. If the institution’s circumstances require the appointment of another person, the headmaster will have to provide justification for the decision.

“Through these amendments, we are establishing clear and equal rules for filling positions of deputy headmasters. We want every education professional with the necessary qualifications, experience and vision to be able to participate in an open and fair competition. At the same time, we have provided for a transition period that will allow institutions to continue their activities without disruption,” said Valentina Olaru, State Secretary at Education and Research Ministry.

During the transition period, public general education institutions will organize contests to fill vacant deputy headmaster positions, in accordance with the regulations approved by the MEC.

To ensure the uniform application of the new provisions, the Ministry has sent a circular to local specialized education authorities and the heads of public general education institutions.

Local education authorities will provide methodological support to institutions, monitor the implementation of the measures and inform the Education and Research Ministry about any difficulties or disputes that may arise.

The new rules are provided for by Law No. 21/2026 amending the Education Code of Moldova No. 152/2014, adopted on February 26, 2026, and published in the Official Journal on March 6, 2026.