However, many parents were upset because they were not allowed to attend the meeting, so they waited outside, demanding a meeting with the relevant parties, including the school board, the parents’ association representative, and the Ward People’s Committee.
Parents Seek Clarification on Substandard Food Allegations
Around 7 PM the same day, after waiting, the parents began discussions with Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, and Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt.
Notably, the discussion included Ms. T., who had posted allegations on social media about the school importing substandard food.
During the meeting, parents demanded that the school leadership confirm whether Ms. T.’s allegations were true. Were they aware of substandard food being repeatedly brought into the school? Was this substandard food served to students? If so, who is responsible?
Whistleblower: “If I’m Wrong, I’ll Take Responsibility”
Ms. Nga began by apologizing to parents for the incident. She confirmed that substandard food had indeed been brought into the school kitchen but assured that it had not been served to students.
“It happened in the kitchen, but we handled it by not allowing students to consume that food,” Ms. Nga stated.
The principal affirmed that the case is under investigation by the authorities, and official results would be shared with parents as soon as available.
Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, addresses parents on the evening of September 18.
Ms. T., who had previously worked in the school kitchen and posted the allegations, stood up to assert that the substandard food had been cooked and served to students, contrary to claims that it had been discarded.
“For the sake of conscience and ethics, I couldn’t keep this hidden. If I’m wrong, I’ll take responsibility before the law,” Ms. T. declared.
She added that she and other kitchen staff had filed a complaint with authorities on August 11, but no action had been taken.
Ms. T., who exposed the substandard food allegations at T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding her departure from T.V. Elementary School, Ms. T. explained that the former kitchen team (those who filed the complaint) was unexpectedly dismissed. They had wanted to hold a meeting to clarify the substandard food issue, but the principal refused. It was only after they submitted a letter to the Party Committee that a meeting was allowed.
Ms. T. stated that on May 31, their contracts ended (as they were annual contracts), but they were only summoned for a meeting on June 2.
“After we raised the issues, all the teachers realized they had also been consuming substandard food without knowing it. There were times when even we ate it unknowingly,” Ms. T. said.
Results of Investigation to Be Shared with Parents
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt, stated that the evening meeting aimed to understand the concerns of teachers and the parents’ association regarding the incident.
He assured that the matter would be thoroughly addressed, with fairness and reason, and that any wrongdoing would be dealt with accordingly. Those responsible would be held accountable.
Parents seek clarification from the T.V. Elementary School board.
Regarding the earlier complaint about substandard food at T.V. Elementary School, Mr. Hà confirmed that the ward had received the letter and immediately invited the complainants for a meeting. However, since it was a collective complaint with multiple signatures, they were asked to designate one person as the responsible signatory in case the complaint was unfounded.
After providing guidance, the ward invited the complainants for another meeting, requesting relevant documents to support their claims. At that time, the complainants only had some photos and no additional documentation to provide sufficient evidence for resolution.
“However, recognizing the impact on student health and public concern, we forwarded the case to specialized agencies and departments for review. We also instructed the police to monitor and address the situation according to regulations,” Mr. Hà explained.
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt.
Mr. Hà emphasized that the case is currently under review by the ward and the police. Once final results are available, they will be promptly shared with parents, so they can rest assured.
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Multiple Complaints About Food at T.V. Elementary School As reported by Người Lao Động Newspaper, a complaint recently surfaced on social media alleging that T.V. Elementary School had been receiving substandard food, compromising student health. The complaint stated that the food supplier had repeatedly provided poor-quality food from late 2024 to April 2025. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school has 1,700 students, including 700 boarding students. After the allegations appeared online, many parents expressed alarm, with some opting to take their children home rather than allow them to eat at the school. The Lâm Đồng Provincial People’s Committee has directed the Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt to urgently collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate the claims of substandard food at T.V. Elementary School. |
