Yisang-il, Mayor of Yongin, Requests "Support for Elementary and Middle School Sports Facilities" from Deputy Minister of Education

"New Gymnasium Construction and Remodeling Needed"... Proposal to Support Lifelong Learning for Disabled
"If Education Office Lacks Staff, City to Consider Supporting Disabled Student Education Personnel"

On the 27th, Lee Sang-il, mayor of Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, met with Jang Sang-yoon, Vice Minister of Education, to request the Ministry of Education's support for improving school environments in the Yongin area and expanding lifelong learning for people with disabilities, the city announced on the 29th.

During the meeting, Mayor Lee requested ▲ the construction of a gymnasium at Yeokbuk Elementary School ▲ special grants for remodeling the gymnasium at Pogok Middle School ▲ support for operating a lifelong learning city for people with disabilities, the city explained.

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin (left), is delivering a proposal on major educational issues to Jang Sang-il, Vice Minister of Education. [Photo by Yongin City]

In the materials provided that day, Mayor Lee stated, "Yeokbuk Elementary School, established in 1999, is currently using some classrooms on the 4th floor of the teacher's building remodeled as sports facilities, but the low ceiling height limits the content of classes and the noise between floors greatly disrupts other classes," adding, "We hope the Ministry of Education will provide a special grant of 3.075 billion KRW to build a new gymnasium."

Mayor Lee also urged for a special grant of 1 billion KRW for Pogok Middle School, citing the urgent need to remodel its aging gymnasium.

He further requested strengthened operational support for lifelong learning for people with disabilities. Mayor Lee emphasized the need for continuous support, saying, "While lifelong learning cities for people with disabilities receive national funding for three years if selected through a public contest, support after that period is uncertain, making it difficult to maintain programs consistently."

In response, Vice Minister Jang said, "We will make greater efforts to expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities and lifelong learning for people with disabilities," and added, "The Ministry of Education is also providing extensive nationwide support to improve the educational environment of aging schools."

Meanwhile, Mayor Lee held a meeting with principals, teachers, and parents of special schools responsible for educating students with disabilities in the region, including Yongin Gangnam School and Yongin Daumhal School.

Regarding the request to increase personnel supporting activities for students with disabilities, Mayor Lee responded, "If it is determined that there is a shortage of personnel on site, the city will consider additional personnel support."

The meeting also discussed various improvement plans for students with disabilities, such as safety on school routes, customized programs for career exploration, and after-school classes.

Mayor Lee said, "We will strive to promptly address issues that can be resolved so that the educational environment for students with disabilities improves noticeably."