Joseokho, Gwangju City Council Member, "Urgent Need to Supplement Neulbom School Infrastructure"

Space and Staff Shortages... "Need to Realize Instructor Fees"

Jo Seok-ho, Gwangju City Council Member

Concerns have been raised about the need for thorough improvements to Neulbom School, which is being promoted by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

On the 5th, Jo Seok-ho, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, Buk-gu 4), stated during the administrative audit of the Office of Education, “In order for existing educational activities and Neulbom School to operate stably together, it is urgent to establish infrastructure such as securing space and personnel, along with safety measures.”

Councilor Jo said, “Neulbom School, originally scheduled to be introduced in 2025, was advanced by six months, leaving the Office of Education and schools unprepared. Conflicts continue within school sites due to lack of space, and the sudden operation of Neulbom School has caused a shortage of teaching staff, negatively affecting students.”

Neulbom School integrates existing care and after-school programs, providing educational and care services to students who want them from 7 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. In Gwangju, 45 elementary schools (29%) participated in the first semester of this year as a pilot.

Councilor Jo emphasized, “Since the after-school instructor fees allocated per student were converted to Neulbom School, instructors’ income has decreased by about 40%, so it is necessary to adjust instructor fees realistically. Thorough management and supervision are also required to prevent problems in recruiting external instructors at each school.”