"Educational Gap Wider Than the Distance Between Islands"... Jeonnam Provincial Council Member Kim Jin Nam Criticizes Education Leadership

Emphasizing the Need to Redefine the Role of Education Support Offices:
"Supporting Schools Is Their Fundamental Duty"
Highlighting the Achievement of Institutionalizing Transportation and Accommodation Support for Island Exam-Takers for the First Time Nationwide

Kim Jin Nam, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Suncheon District 5), stated during the administrative audit of the Yeonggwang, Wando, Shinan, and Jindo Education Support Offices held on November 10 that, "Education support offices must faithfully fulfill their fundamental role as institutions that support schools," urging for education administration focused on the field.

Assemblyman Kim pointed out, "It is not appropriate for education support offices to request support from schools," adding, "The head of the education office should act like the class president among principals, prioritizing the difficulties faced on the ground and providing supportive leadership."

Jin Nam Kim, Former Member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly

He criticized some education support offices for recognizing the achievements of schools in their jurisdiction solely as their own, stating, "The achievements in local education are the result of principals, faculty, and students working together," and emphasized, "Leadership that respects the educational field and fosters communication and cooperation is crucial."

In particular, Assemblyman Kim addressed the issue of educational disparity in island regions, saying, "On islands, the gap in education feels even wider than the physical distance," and urged for "meticulous administrative support so that island students can study comfortably and receive education without discrimination."

Assemblyman Kim mentioned the 'policy to support transportation and accommodation costs for college entrance exam-takers in island regions,' which he first proposed during the 2022 administrative audit.

He explained, "At the time, considering that test-takers faced difficulties returning home due to ferry schedules after the exam, I proposed expanding the support from one night and two days to two nights and three days," and added, "Subsequently, through an ordinance enacted by Assemblywoman Park Hyun Sook, this was institutionalized for the first time in the country."

He continued, "I hope this policy will not just be simple administrative support, but rather a path for island students to pursue their dreams without discrimination," and stated, "The provincial council will also actively support efforts to close the educational gap in island regions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.