70 Years of Educational Autonomy: Redrawing the Future

National Council of Provincial and Metropolitan Education Superintendents Holds 'Talking about Local Educational Autonomy' Conference in Ulsan

The National Council of Provincial and Metropolitan Education Superintendents, chaired by Kang Eunhee, Superintendent of Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education, held the 'Talking about Local Educational Autonomy' conference at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center on November 19, as part of the '2025 Korea Local Era Expo.' The conference provided an in-depth examination of the future challenges facing educational autonomy amid rapidly changing circumstances.

National Council of Provincial and Metropolitan Education Superintendents Holds 'Talking about Local Educational Autonomy' Conference in Ulsan

Approximately 80 participants attended the event, including superintendents and officials from education offices nationwide, as well as local government representatives. They reviewed the achievements of 70 years of educational autonomy and shared strategies to address new environmental changes such as the decline in the school-age population, the spread of AI technology, and the risk of regional extinction.

In her opening remarks, Chairperson Kang Eunhee emphasized, "Educational autonomy must become even stronger, with each child's life at its center," adding, "I hope today's discussions will lead to securing the sustainability of local education."

Following this, Ulsan Superintendent Cheon Changsoo stated in his congratulatory address, "While issues such as AI curriculum, school closures, and the rise of hate phenomena weigh heavily on educational autonomy, we also possess the capability to resolve them."

In the first session, Park Sujeong, a professor at Chungnam National University, identified key tasks including: redefining the relationship between central and local governments; strengthening cooperation between education offices and local governments; responding to increasing educational demand; and securing future-oriented educational finances.

Next, Professor Na Minju of Chungbuk National University stressed, "Educational finance is not a cost, but an investment in the future," warning of a potential financial shortfall of up to 74.9 trillion won over the next ten years.

The second session introduced regional cooperative educational autonomy models from Gwangju, Goyang, Gangwon, and Jincheon. Gwangju presented an AI and digital-based educational ecosystem; Goyang showcased a vocational high school startup campus model; Gangwon demonstrated an educational ecosystem supporting students' settlement in the region; and Jincheon unveiled an Edu-Care city model based on its innovation city.

In the presentation on current issues, Jeon Jaesang, a professor at Kongju National University, shared the results of a survey of over 8,600 teachers nationwide, pointing out that while the Five Laws for the Protection of Teachers' Rights have contributed to psychological stability, improvements are still needed in areas such as child abuse reporting.

The National Council of Provincial and Metropolitan Education Superintendents plans to continue policy discussions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of local education and implementing future-oriented structural reforms, building on the momentum of this conference.

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