"I will dedicate myself to fulfilling my duties as Superintendent, focusing on education that saves children and education that saves the planet during my remaining term."
Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Education of Gyeongnam, who is now in his third term with one year remaining, made this statement at a press conference marking his 11th anniversary in office, held on the 25th in the main auditorium of the provincial office of education.
Superintendent Park said, "Over the past 11 years, Gyeongnam education has grown together with the entire educational community," citing as achievements the introduction of Happy Schools to innovate classroom instruction, the nation's first establishment of a Mathematics Culture Center, the opening of the Future Education Center and Career Education Center, the implementation of compulsory education in elementary and middle schools, and free high school education.
He also listed as major achievements the promotion of inclusive public education that leaves no child behind, including students from immigrant backgrounds and out-of-school youth, as well as the expansion of the Neulbom regional integrated care centers and customized local care initiatives.
Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Education of Gyeongnam, is answering reporters' questions at a press conference marking his 11th anniversary in office. Photo by Lee Seryeong
He said, "There are still many challenges to be addressed," and added, "Social and economic inequality, the resulting educational gap, concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area, the climate crisis, population decline due to low birth rates, and the risk of regional extinction are all urgent issues we currently face."
He continued, "Gyeongnam education will use education as a means to create a sustainable society, and through that society, we will enrich education," pledging, "I will devote myself to completing an education model based on the local community within the time given."
At the event, Superintendent Park presented four key tasks: ▲Presenting a standard for shared education through the Gyeongnam-style joint school model ▲Establishing a customized care system in cooperation with the local community ▲Strengthening future education districts based on the local community ▲Revitalizing the school arts instructor program utilizing local human resources.
Shared education involves grouping small schools with fewer than 60 students by region to jointly operate educational curricula and after-school programs. This initiative began in Uiryeong and has now expanded to 10 cities and counties within the province.
Superintendent Park expressed his ambition to develop shared education into the national standard for education in Korea by systematically preparing to broaden the content and scope of shared education.
He also mentioned 'Aibit-teo' and 'Dabom', which opened this year in Namhae and Miryang in cooperation with local governments, and emphasized, "The nation's first education office-led regional integrated care center, 'Neulbom', will become a holistic space responsible for children's entire day, not just a simple care facility. We will take the lead in creating a care model that sets the standard for Korea's future society."
Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education, is announcing the key tasks to be pursued during the remaining term at the 11th anniversary press conference. Photo by Lee Seryung
Superintendent Park also expressed his determination to strengthen the 'Future Education District Project', which faced operational difficulties last year due to the repeal of related ordinances and the complete cut of its budget.
He said, "Although the Supreme Court's ruling on the provincial council's decision to repeal the ordinance is delayed, we cannot abandon the project itself, so we have submitted a supplementary budget proposal to the provincial council," adding that he would continue to persuade and explain to the council to protect the project.
Regarding concerns raised at the time of the ordinance repeal, such as the political bias of village school instructors and the implementation of value-based education, he said, "We are making efforts to reform by implementing a compromise in which local governments or city/provincial council members are involved in the selection of village instructors."
He added, "We are thoroughly educating to prevent cases of teaching political or religious bias, and we will discuss and accept any proposals that can prevent such problems from arising."
Regarding the school arts instructor program, he said, "I believe arts education is key to improving children's emotional well-being, creativity, and school adaptability. We are promoting arts as part of daily education through various means such as the Haebom Arts Education Center, arts clubs, and local partnership programs. We will not give up on arts education as a core strategy for developing future competencies."
Superintendent Park said, "During my remaining term, I will ensure that education does not drive children to the edge, but instead make school a more enjoyable and happy place, providing education that saves children."
He continued, "I will do my utmost to uphold the essence of education and complete an educational ecosystem in partnership with the local community," and asked for the interest and support of the residents and the educational community.
He also dismissed speculation about running in next year's local elections, stating, "I will faithfully fulfill my duties as Superintendent until the last day of my term on June 30, 2026."
Superintendent Park was first inaugurated in 2014 and was elected Superintendent three consecutive times. This is his final term as Superintendent, and he is not eligible to run in the next Superintendent election.
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