'Order and discipline': Nayib Bukele appointed a military officer as Minister of Education

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, appointed Karla Trigueros as head of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, marking a major shift in the country's educational policy.

Following her appointment, immediate measures focused on strengthening discipline and civic values in public institutions were announced. The Salvadoran president formalized her appointment on Thursday, August 14, bringing into the cabinet a captain of the Armed Forces with experience in logistical management during the pandemic.

As one of her first actions, the new minister sent a message to the entire educational community through a memorandum addressed to the principals of public schools, dated Monday, August 18, 2025.

The new educational policy

In the document, which Trigueros shared from her account on X, it is established that starting Wednesday, August 20, principals must personally receive students at the entrance gates, verifying the proper use of the uniform, maintenance of a haircut considered appropriate, proper personal appearance, and an orderly entry accompanied by a respectful greeting.

The document emphasizes that principals are the main individuals responsible for ensuring compliance with these instructions and must fulfill their role as models of order and discipline for both students and teachers as well as administrative staff.

The minister also warned that failure to comply with these rules will be considered a serious breach of administrative responsibility, stating that corresponding sanctions will be applied in case of omission.

In her post on X, Trigueros emphasized: "Today I sent this memorandum to all principals of schools and institutes nationwide so that they assume their role as models of order and discipline for our students."

The memorandum highlights the main guidelines that must be followed in educational centers:

• Use of a clean and well-maintained uniform.
• Appropriate haircut and proper personal appearance.
• Orderly entry accompanied by a respectful greeting.
• Mandatory nature of all provisions.

"Omission of these provisions by principals will be considered a serious breach of administrative responsibility and will result in the corresponding actions," the minister warned.