Gyeongnam Province and Provincial Office of Education Share 2023 School Meal Cost Burden 'Half and Half'

Agreement Reached on School Meal Price Increase of Approximately 380 Won

2023 School Meal Cost Sharing Amounts by Gyeongnam Province and Gyeongnam Office of Education. [Image Source=Gyeongsangnam-do, Gyeongnam Office of Education]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Gyeongnam Province and the Provincial Office of Education, which had been struggling over the cost-sharing ratio for school meal expenses and other educational expenses, reached an agreement on the 21st.

On the afternoon of the same day, Gyeongnam Province and the Provincial Office of Education held a practical meeting of the Education Administration Council and adjusted the cost-sharing ratio for school meal expenses to a 50:50 ratio for 2023 only.

The meal unit price was decided to be raised by about 380 KRW, a 12% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting continuous demands for price increases and considering the inflation rate.

The two institutions stated that to adjust educational expenses including school meal costs for 2023, they held three practical meetings of the Education Administration Council and practical consultations between the relevant departments since August, reaching an agreement at the practical meeting stage on the 21st.

They explained that the adjustment of the cost-sharing ratio for educational expenses was made reflecting proposals to adjust the meal cost-sharing ratio due to increased financial burdens on cities and counties during the mayor and county governor policy meeting in July, questions on the provincial administration regarding the meal cost-sharing ratio adjustment due to financial imbalance between the two institutions, and five-minute free speeches.

The result of this agreement will be finalized at the regular meeting of the Education Administration Council to be held on the 27th, with the participation of Governor Park Wan-su, Superintendent of Education Park Jong-hoon, and other council members, and will be reflected in next year’s budget plan.

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