Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education Focuses on 'School Consolidation Issues' During National Audit

Jang Seok-woong, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education Office, is attending the national audit and responding. Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The National Assembly Education Committee focused on the issues of school consolidation and early education related to history during the national audit of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education.

On the 20th, the National Assembly Education Committee conducted a national audit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, Jeonnam Office of Education, Jeonbuk Office of Education, and Jeju Office of Education at the Gwangju Office of Education.

Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Dong-yong stated, “The Jeonnam Office of Education made its first attempt this year to provide historical education such as the investigation of the truth behind the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Special Act,” and highly praised, “It is fortunate that the truth has now been revealed.”

He continued, “After reviewing the materials distributed by the Jeonnam Office of Education regarding the May 18 Democratic Movement, I found them difficult for students to understand. It is necessary to provide various materials tailored to different grade levels.”

Superintendent Jang Seok-woong responded, “The Jeonnam Office of Education conducted historical field trip education for principals and vice principals in cooperation with KBS, and prepared teacher training, but it could not be carried out due to the impact of COVID-19. We will collaborate with other education offices to create teacher training and learning programs. We will supplement any lacking materials and provide them to students.”

Additionally, Open Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Min-jung asked, “The issue of local extinction is serious. What are Superintendent Jang Seok-woong’s measures and solutions regarding small schools and school closures?”

Superintendent Jang Seok-woong stated, “In Jeonnam, more than 108 schools are classified as small schools, and it is difficult to sustain small schools with only facilities and programs. We plan to operate visiting schools by promoting integrated operation of elementary, middle, and high schools in connection with the government’s Green Smart School policy. If the law for integrated operation is amended, there will be hope for small schools.”

Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae evaluated, “Gwangju, Jeju, and Jeonbuk lack budgets for online remote learning content, but Jeonnam invested the most with a budget of 400 million won.”

In response, Superintendent Jang Seok-woong said, “Teachers in Jeonnam voluntarily developed learning content, which was a great help during difficult times. We also supported students who needed internet communication devices and computer rentals for non-face-to-face classes due to COVID-19.”