Discussion on reforming education subsidy funds gains momentum… First public forum on the 8th

The government is moving ahead in earnest with discussions on reforming the local education finance grant system in response to the decline in the schoolage population. The Ministry of Strategy and Budget and the Ministry of Education are scheduled to hold the first public forum on the grant reform at the Government Complex Seoul on the 8th. The grant system automatically allocates 20.79% of national taxes and part of the education tax to metropolitan and provincial offices of education, and it is a key funding source for elementary and secondary education. It has been used for teacher personnel expenses, school operating costs, and improving the educational environment, but discussions have continued over the appropriateness of the current method amid declining student numbers. The Ministry of Strategy and Budget believes that a structure tied to national taxes makes fiscal management rigid, and is arguing for the introduction of a new formula that reflects the schoolage population, economic growth rate, and inflation, or for adjustments to the grant rate. The Ministry of Education, on the other hand, is taking the position that the basic framework of elementary and secondary education funding should be maintained, while surplus funds should be used for early childhood education, higher education, lifelong education, and more.