Sejong Education Superintendent opposes local finance grant reforms

Sejong City Superintendent of Education Kang Mi-ae has expressed strong opposition to proposed reforms regarding the Local Education Financial Grant Act. During meetings with members of the National Assembly's Education Committee, Kang argued against a plan that would replace the current automatic distribution system—which allocates 20.79% of national taxes to local education—with a new formula based on economic growth and school-age population changes.

Kang emphasized that reducing funds based solely on declining student numbers ignores the fixed costs required to operate schools, such as staff salaries, facility maintenance, and meal services. She noted that in Sejong, where student numbers are actually increasing, a reduction in grants could diminish educational opportunities and support for students.

In a separate effort to support regional development, Kang also participated in a one-person protest at the National Assembly to urge the swift enactment of the 'Administrative Capital Special Act.' She stated that completing Sejong's status as an administrative capital is vital for balanced national development and will help establish a robust educational infrastructure linked to public institutions.