Gyeongbuk Office of Education to Join "Daegu-Gyeongbuk Administrative Integration Task Force"... Discussion Between Governor Lee Cheolwoo and Superintendent Lim Jongshik

As discussions on the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk gain momentum, Jongshik Lim, Superintendent of the Gyeongbuk Office of Education, met with Cheolwoo Lee, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, at 9:30 a.m. on January 21 at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office to discuss key issues in the field of education related to the integration.

During the meeting, both parties agreed that the independence of educational autonomy and the public nature of education must be unwaveringly guaranteed throughout the process of pursuing administrative integration.

Jongshik Lim, Superintendent of Gyeongbuk Office of Education (left), and Cheolwoo Lee, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, are discussing the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

Superintendent Lim particularly emphasized, "Educational autonomy is a core value of Gyeongbuk's education policy and must be institutionally guaranteed during the integration process."

In response, Governor Lee noted that matters related to education require nationwide discussion, adding that it is necessary to proceed in a direction that aligns with national standards through consultations with the Ministry of Education and other provinces and cities in the future.

The two sides also agreed on the need to establish institutional mechanisms to guarantee educational autonomy during the enactment of special legislation, and to clearly maintain the authority and responsibilities of the education office as well as the participation structure for students, parents, and faculty members.

Superintendent Lim stated, "Taking this discussion as an opportunity, we need to review ways to address educational disparities and promote balanced regional development on the premise of educational autonomy." He added that the Gyeongbuk Office of Education will continue to respond to administrative integration, focusing on the integration response team and working-level consultative body established in August 2024, and will strengthen communication with the field to ensure that the opinions of the educational community are reflected in policy.

Meanwhile, on January 26, the "Daegu-Gyeongbuk Administrative Integration Task Force," led by the planning and coordination chiefs of both regions, will be launched. Officials from the education office will also participate, and discussions on administrative integration will continue with a focus on guaranteeing educational autonomy.