Uri Party to Review New School Law

After Dong-A Ilbo pointed out that the Revised Private School Law puts a limit even on the kindergarten superintendent’s term of office, Uri Party announced its decision to address the problem.

While it is still uncertain when and how the law will be reviewed, the Korean Kindergartens Association is demanding the review of the article in question.

Noh Woong-rae, Uri’s public relations director, said on July 14, “We are reviewing the Revised Private School Law for its practical applications. The private kindergarten issue will also be addressed soon.”

Choi Jae-seong, a Uri lawmaker on the Education Committee, responded, “There remain a maximum of eight years for kindergarten superintendents after the Revised Private School Law was put into action on July 1. It will be appropriate to add a clause to give them a grace period.”

Cheong Bong-ju, a Uri lawmaker, also said, “Although the kindergarten superintendent’s term of office is limited according the Law, it will be realistic to give a grace period. I will collect opinions from those related through the office of Yoo Ki-hong, secretary of the Education Committee.”

Members of the Korean Kindergartens Association asked for the review of the article in question by calling or visiting lawmakers in the Education Committee on July 14.

The Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development argues that the problem should be fixed through lawmaker-initiated legislation since government-initiated legislation takes longer with more complicated procedures.

Song Yeong-sik, secretary-general of the Private Schools Association, said, “There are lots of questionable articles in the Private School Law as it was made without much preparation. Politicians should discuss how to revise it again before the Constitutional Court makes a ruling.”

The Christian Council of Korea decided to make a specific action plan against the Law, including rejecting the revision of articles of incorporation, in a meeting scheduled on July 19.

In-Chul Lee inchul@donga.com