Councilman Shim Changuk Criticizes "Rubber Band Budgeting" by Gwangju Education Office

Concerns Raised Over Splitting Next Year’s Legally Mandated Transfer Funds

During the administrative audit at the Gwangju City Council, concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education's budget review and allocation process. There were also worries regarding the issue of splitting next year's legally mandated transfer funds.

A view of Gwangju City Council.

According to the Gwangju City Council on November 6, Councilman Shim Changuk criticized the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education during the previous day's administrative audit, stating, "There are always issues with the education office's budget," and added, "Budgets that are reviewed for several days by the Education and Culture Committee are subject to increases and decreases without the standing committee's knowledge once they move to the Special Budget and Accounts Committee."

According to the data disclosed by Councilman Shim, the 2023 main budget saw 11 reductions totaling 11.5 billion won and 15 increases totaling 2.9 billion won (net increase of 1.5 billion won). The 2024 main budget had 31 reductions totaling 6.7 billion won and 17 increases totaling 2.15 billion won (net increase of 1.8 billion won). The 2025 main budget included 10 reductions totaling 4.87 billion won and 20 increases totaling 4.26 billion won (net increase of 1.2 billion won).

Councilman Shim pointed out, "If you look at the net increase in the budget, not a single won is allocated for student textbook purchases, and most of it is concentrated on facility projects," adding, "The vicious cycle of budgets being established at the whim of a single council member must not be repeated." He also said, "The fact that the standing committee's budget is revised in the Special Budget and Accounts Committee shows both the education office's poor allocation and the standing committee's inadequate review," emphasizing, "The education office needs to reconsider the roles of the standing committee and the special committee on budget and accounts."

In response, an official from the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "We will thoroughly review the budget to ensure it is allocated appropriately."

Councilman Shim also raised concerns about the Gwangju City Government's decision to split the 290.6 billion won in legally mandated transfer funds for the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education for next year between the main and supplementary budgets. He said, "If 100 billion won is paid after September, there are concerns about whether budget execution will proceed smoothly." In response, the education office stated, "If 100 billion won is reflected late after the budget has already been allocated, it will inevitably lead to a reduction in projects."