Jeonnam Education Participation Committee Holds '6th Extraordinary Meeting'

The Jeonnam Education Participation Committee held the 6th Extraordinary Meeting to present major projects and directions for Jeonnam education policy. Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Jeonnam Education Participation Committee held the '6th Extraordinary Meeting' on the 28th at the Jeonnam Education Research and Information Institute, attended by 30 committee members and executives from the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education.

At this extraordinary meeting, Jeonnam Education Participation Committee members listened to the direction of the Jeonnam education budget operation for next year ahead of the establishment of 'Jeonnam Education 2021,' which includes the major projects and directions of Jeonnam education policy for next year, and shared the public's atmosphere and opinions.

The Education Participation Committee decided to participate in the promotion organization for the composition and discussion of the '2030 Jeonnam Future Education Agreement Promotion Plan (draft)' proposed by the National Education Council.

In addition, regarding the support methods at the provincial level for the differences in school water and sewage fees by city and county, and the promotion of integrated elementary and middle schools, the committee agreed to propose to Superintendent Jang Seok-woong to sufficiently supplement problems in advance through broad participation of residents.

Furthermore, to guarantee the public's right to know and to inform about the activities of the Participation Committee, some operational rules were revised to establish a disclosure mechanism for the committee's activities.

Jang Se-ryeong, a student committee member (Chairperson of the Jeonnam Student Council) attending the meeting for the first time, said, "It is surprising to see the open exchange of opinions on various fields of Jeonnam education," and added, "As a participation committee member and a student representative, I have resolved to contribute even a small part to the development of Jeonnam education."

The Education Participation Committee plans to ensure that the voices of residents are reflected when setting next year's education plans through regular meetings by regional committees and training by zones.

The Jeonnam Education Participation Committee advises on the direction of education policy establishment, evaluation, and other educational issues and monitors the results. A total of about 680 members, including students, parents, teachers, public officials, and residents, are active in 23 committees across Jeonnam Province and its cities and counties.