Provincial Assembly Member Kim Jin-nam Urges Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School to Focus on Education, Not Profit

Published 10 Nov.2023 09:05(KST)

One-Sided School Site Relocation Push... Concerns Raised

Jeollanam-do Provincial Council member Kim Jin-nam pointed out during the administrative audit of the Suncheon Office of Education on the 7th that regarding the transition to coeducation for the purpose of raising the educational standards in the Suncheon area, Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School should "consider the transition to coeducation first to improve the quality of education rather than relocating the school site."

Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School, established in 1984, is a private high school located in Jorye-dong, Suncheon City. It was designated as a pilot school for the high school credit system in March last year, and currently has about 600 students enrolled.

Assemblyman Kim Jin-nam (Vice Chairman of the Education Committee) is questioning during the administrative audit of the Suncheon Office of Education.
Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Assembly

In particular, the School Relocation Promotion Committee, formed in June, is conducting feasibility studies on the relocation of the school to facilitate the smooth implementation of the high school credit system and to create an environment suitable for the changed educational system. Despite opposition from the local community, the committee continues to pursue the relocation, intensifying the controversy.

Council member Kim Jin-nam criticized, "Although the relocation of the school site is the most important issue for the foundation, it seems that the contents are not being shared or opinions sought from the school members."

He added, "Due to the nature of private schools, I think there is not an atmosphere where opinions can be freely expressed within the school," and said, "Next year, all middle schools in Suncheon will be coeducational, and I hope Gangnam Girls' High School will also become a school that focuses more on education to raise the quality of education."

Meanwhile, Council member Kim Jin-nam is actively engaged in legislative activities, including resolving the long-standing local demand for the establishment of a new elementary school, supporting students taking the college entrance exam in island areas, preparing protective measures for the transition to coeducation and for teachers, and ensuring high-quality school meals.