South Korean educators protest local education grant reforms

South Korean educators and regional offices are mobilizing against a government proposal to reform the local education finance grant system. The reform seeks to replace the current method—which automatically links the grant to 20.79% of national tax revenue—with a new formula based on economic growth rates and changes in the student population.

Opponents, including the Association of Korean Superintendents of Education and various regional offices such as Busan and Seoul, argue that the plan ignores the rising costs of modern education. They contend that while student numbers are declining, the demand for specialized services—including AI-integrated learning, mental health support, special education, and multicultural programs—is increasing. Furthermore, they emphasize that fixed costs like facility maintenance and staff salaries do not decrease proportionally with student numbers.

Critics also expressed concern over the proposed 'Future Response Fund,' which would divert portions of primary and secondary education funds toward higher education and lifelong learning. Educators argue this is merely 'reallocating existing funds' rather than providing new investment, and warn that such cuts could disproportionately affect vulnerable students and rural schools.