Jang Seok-woong, Superintendent of Education, Urges Principals to Implement Bold Policies: "I Take Responsibility"

Jang Seok-woong, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education Office (Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Jang Seok-woong, Superintendent of Education for Jeonnam Province, urged schools on the 6th to implement bold policies that are not bound by minor regulations or customs in preparation for crisis situations caused by COVID-19.

At the expanded executive meeting that day, Superintendent Jang said, "It feels like it has been over a year since the school closures due to COVID-19 entered their sixth week," and added, "I believe it has been a truly hard-fought month for all members of the headquarters responsible for Jeonnam education."

Superintendent Jang stated, "Although it seems like the end of the long tunnel is in sight, it is unpredictable how long online classes will continue and when in-person school reopening will occur," and added, "Because this is a path we have never experienced or traveled before, there is great worry and anxiety."

He continued, "We have hit a major obstacle due to the unexpected COVID-19," and added, "Many projects have inevitably been drastically reduced, canceled, or changed."

He further said, "We must face the severe reality approaching us head-on and tackle the immediate tasks with full effort," and expressed concern, "Jeonnam students have low dependence on private education and high dependence on schools, so although the headquarters prepared for online learning earlier than any other education office nationwide, there are still large disparities between schools and teachers, and stability has not yet been achieved."

Superintendent Jang emphasized, "If it is for the sake of the children, do not be bound by minor regulations or customs, boldly implement policies, and grant autonomy to school principals," and stressed, "I will take full responsibility."