'Even as student numbers fall, schools' role is growing,' Seoul education chief says

Seoul Superintendent of Education Jeong Geun-sik said Wednesday that reforms to the local education finance grants system and the calculation of teacher quotas should reflect actual education costs and demand — not just student enrollment figures.

Speaking at the National Assembly Education Committee's audit of Greater Seoul education offices, Jeong said that even as student numbers decline, "the value of each individual student's life never diminishes," adding that "the responsibilities schools must shoulder — foundational learning, mental health, special education, aging facilities — are in fact growing."

He urged lawmakers to ensure that ongoing reform discussions on the local education finance grants system account for not only demographic shifts but also actual education costs and future demand in a balanced way. He also asked for the National Assembly's attention and support in setting teacher quotas based on real educational needs.

Jeong outlined the main policy directions for Seoul's education system, grounded in the vision he proclaimed last July: "Basic education for all, happy cooperative education." He said public education would fulfill its responsibility to ensure no student is left behind in learning and growth amid the spread of AI and digital transformation, the climate crisis, a shrinking school-age population and widening educational inequality.

Support for foundational learning will be strengthened through the Seoul Learning Diagnosis and Growth Center. The office plans to expand public education's reach from the very starting line of learning through the integration of early childhood care and education and an expansion of special education. AI and digital education will be systematized alongside reinforced programs in reading, discussion, writing and ecological transition education.

To support students' mental health, Jeong said the office would expand professional counseling staff and establish mental recovery schools. Conflict within schools would be resolved through an educational approach using a relationship-restoration deliberation program, and aging school facilities would also be renovated.

"We will ensure teachers can focus on teaching," Jeong said. "Through field-centered administrative support, we will create an environment where schools can concentrate on education."