On-site Inspection with Mayor Lee Hyunjae and Superintendent Oh Seongae
On the 11th, Lee Hyunjae, Mayor of Hanam City, along with Oh Seonga, Superintendent of the Gwangju Hanam Office of Education, inspected the progress of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School) establishment, with participation from parent representatives such as chairpersons of school operation committees and parent associations from local elementary schools, as well as community representatives. They also discussed safety management measures.
Lee Hyunjae, Mayor of Hanam City, on the 11th, along with Oh Seonga, Superintendent of Gwangju Hanam Office of Education, inspected the progress of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School) establishment, with participation from parent representatives such as chairpersons of school operation committees and parent associations from local elementary schools, as well as community representatives. Provided by Hanam City
Three main issues were the focus of this discussion.
First, the establishment of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School) began in response to the urgent situation where severe overcrowding in classrooms in Misagangbyeon New Town had emerged as a core municipal issue in recent years, escalating into a source of social conflict.
Amid this pressing situation, a decision was made to lease park land free of charge for school use based on local residents' consent and cooperation. This was not merely an administrative measure, but a meaningful choice to protect children's right to education and improve the educational environment, in response to requests from parents and civil society.
In particular, Mayor Lee made the formation of a task force to resolve overcrowded classrooms his first official approval upon taking office, personally overseeing this key initiative. Reflecting this background, the school was designed from the outset to include plans for opening school facilities to the public. Upon completion, the plan to open the gymnasium and sports facilities in the playground to citizens was reaffirmed. Through this, Mayor Lee, Superintendent Oh, parents, and the local community have worked together to overcome the crisis and create a model case of cooperation between citizens and administration to resolve educational issues.
Second, the construction progress and safety management system for the scheduled opening in March 2026 were thoroughly discussed.
In particular, parent representatives present at the meeting, including Lee Jiyeong, Chairperson of the School Operation Committee at Cheonga Elementary School; Choi Moonjeong, President of the Cheonga Elementary School Parent Association; Kim Hyunseok, Chairperson of the School Operation Committee at Hanhol Elementary School; and Lee Hyeonmi, President of the Hanhol Elementary School Parent Association, checked the status of major construction processes and emphasized that a safe commuting environment for students must be thoroughly ensured.
Third, preparations are underway for the surrounding roads and infrastructure necessary for a smooth school opening and a safe commuting environment. The city reconfirmed its plan to complete infrastructure projects by October this year, including the construction of an access road, the creation of Misa Forest Park, improvements to commuting routes (such as block paving and 12 park-related projects), and the installation of six CCTV cameras.
Misagangbyeon New Town has been an area where the problem of overcrowded classrooms has been consistently raised. To address this issue, the city has provided full support for the establishment of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School), including changing park land to school land for free lease. The new middle school will have a site area of 15,000 square meters, a total of 31 classes (including one special class), and a capacity for 846 students, with the goal of opening in March 2026.
Lee Hyun Jae, mayor of Hanam City, is inspecting the progress of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School) together with Oh Sung Ae, superintendent of Gwangju Hanam Office of Education, on the 11th. Provided by Hanam City
Superintendent Oh Seonga stated, "I deeply appreciate the passion for education and active participation of Hanam citizens," adding, "Turning a park into school land was an unprecedented decision, and I believe that very decision has become the foundation for Hanam to move forward as an educational city."
She continued, "We will do our best to meet the high expectations of our citizens, nurture our children into outstanding talents who contribute to the local community, and ensure the school opens on schedule."
Mayor Lee Hyunjae said, "I sincerely thank Superintendent Oh Seonga, the parents, and local residents who have worked hard for the establishment of the new Misa 5 Middle School (tentatively named Hanhol Middle School). Based on today's discussions, we will further strengthen safety and process management systems and focus all administrative resources to ensure that students can learn in a pleasant and safe environment and that preparations for the school opening are completed without delay."
He also emphasized, "Furthermore, together with the Gwangju Hanam Office of Education, we will make every effort to create a model of coexistence with the local community by opening school facilities to residents."
Meanwhile, on the 10th, the amendment to the "Local Education Autonomy Act" passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, making the establishment of the Hanam Office of Education more likely. With this, a foundation has been laid for implementing education policies tailored to local characteristics, and Hanam City is expected to reach a significant turning point as it advances as an educational city.
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