KUWAIT CITY, July 17: In response to reports published by Al-Seyassah on the vacancy of approximately 300 leadership and supervisory positions within the Ministry of Education, the Ministry has announced its intention to fill several key roles. These positions include supervisors and directors for educational regions, educational affairs, public services, human resources, legal research, grievances, and social and psychological services. Eligible employees are encouraged to apply via the Ministry’s website. Sources informed “Al-Seyassah” that interview committees will be formed to address these vacancies, particularly in educational roles, which are crucial for the stability and success of the upcoming academic year across all three educational stages.

Once these committees are established, applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted, followed by the announcement of results and the issuance of secondment decisions pending Civil Service Commission approval. The Ministry aims to fill as many vacancies as possible before the new school year begins, with decisions on transfers and external secondments of teaching staff expected by early August. The Teachers Association highlighted the significant leadership vacuum due to retirements and resignations, noting that over 241 positions remain unfilled.

The association praised the Ministry’s efforts and Minister Dr. Adel Al-Adwani’s commitment to addressing this longstanding issue, calling the initiative a “positive step” toward resolving the leadership shortfall. The Teachers Association has commended the Ministry of Education’s initiative to fill supervisory positions amidst significant vacancies but emphasizes the need for nominations and selections to adhere strictly to approved controls, laws, educational career sequences, and leadership experience levels. The association cited CSC Resolution No. 9 of 2017, which mandates specific experience requirements for educational leadership roles. Expressing concern over recent decisions to retire or exclude several leaders, the association pointed out various negative repercussions, including confusion within the ministry and instability in leadership as the new academic year approaches.

The association provided statistics detailing the extent of vacant leadership positions, including undersecretaries, assistant agents, district managers, general supervisors, and educational affairs managers, among others. Highlighting discrepancies in referral decisions, the association noted that some leaders with shorter tenures were retired or excluded compared to others still in service, raising questions about consistency in criteria application. In conclusion, the Teachers Association stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure effective leadership and operational stability within the Ministry of Education.

By Abdul Rahman Al-Shimmari
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff