Grant Reform Plan Under Fire... Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education to Intensify National Assembly Response

Office of Education Launches Dedicated Response Team for Full-Scale Action
Kim Daejung Vows to Defend Education Finances to the End

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education expressed strong concerns on August 25 regarding the government's proposal to reform local education finances, urging a comprehensive reassessment of the plan.

The Office of Education pointed out that the proposed reform undermines legal foundations that have been in place for over half a century, jeopardizing trust in local education finances. Additionally, it criticized the unilateral promotion of the reform without substantial consultation with educational field stakeholders. The Office also raised doubts about the effectiveness of the grant preservation clause included in the proposal, and highlighted issues with the retroactive application of the bill and the maintenance of special grant ratios.

Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education.

Furthermore, it emphasized that even with a declining school-age population, core educational environments—such as school operations, meal programs, and after-school care—must be maintained. The need for new educational investments, including AI and digital education and securing core academic achievement, is in fact increasing.

Accordingly, the Office of Education plans to establish a 'dedicated response team' headed by the finance strategy and planning officer, to actively engage in every aspect of the legislative process in the National Assembly. In addition to expanding engagement with local National Assembly members and the Education Committee, the Office aims to strengthen solidarity with 354 education-related organizations nationwide to block the bill.

In this context, Superintendent Kim Daejung attended an emergency press conference of the Council of Education Superintendents of Korea held at the National Assembly that day, joining 16 city and provincial superintendents in issuing a joint statement against the government's proposal, which centers on abolishing the current national tax linkage ratio of 20.79%.

Superintendent Kim stated, "The method proposed by the government, which reflects current growth rates and changes in the school-age population, undermines the stability of local education finances and shakes the foundation of future education. I cannot agree with the economic logic that decreasing student numbers justify cuts to the education budget."

He further emphasized, "Especially at this critical moment when Jeonnam and Gwangju are moving toward becoming an integrated special city, stable education finances are a key foundation for narrowing educational gaps between regions and establishing an integrated education system. As Superintendent, if it is to protect the learning of our children and the future of education in Korea, I will see this through to the end."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.