Education superintendents must win back trust through classroom change

A palpable sense of apathy and cynicism pervades the elections for education superintendents, with a considerable portion of voters casting invalid ballots or expressing indifference towards the outcome. One voter in Seoul, who used an AI to select a candidate, reflected the sentiment of many: "Who knows if it would have been any different?" This widespread disengagement highlights a disconnect between the public and the role of education superintendents, who hold significant budgetary and personnel powers over schools.

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Up until now, we've elected a progressive unified candidate. Even so, the classrooms have been bleak, and private education costs have only increased.

The article traces the trajectory of education superintendents, noting a shift towards progressive candidates starting in 2010. Initially, progressive agendas like free education, improved student rights, and the abolition of elite schools resonated with public aspirations. This led to a dominance of progressive superintendents in most regions by 2018. However, a perceived failure to deliver on these promises, particularly concerning college entrance policies and a lack of demonstrable improvement in classrooms, led to a decline in public support. By 2021, support for direct elections of superintendents had waned, a trend reflected in the 2022 elections where progressive superintendents won in fewer regions.

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Why are we even having education superintendent elections?

Despite this disillusionment, recent elections have seen a resurgence of progressive superintendents in some areas, with voters hoping for a renewed focus on reducing competitive education and expanding arts and sports programs. Yet, the underlying issues persist. The article points to the uniform "life report cards" that have remained unchanged for years and the frequent teacher leaves due to issues like school violence, indicating a system under strain.

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The failure of that period, when the alignment of central and local political-administrative power was at its highest, created a situation where public sentiment began to 'judge the progressive forces' in the education sector as well.

Newly elected superintendents are urged to recognize the depth of public dissatisfaction, symbolized by the millions of invalid votes. To regain trust, they must move beyond rhetoric and actively communicate with teachers, students, and parents. Addressing the "sharp cynicism" from all three groups and finding concrete solutions for the challenges facing classrooms is presented as the only path forward for meaningful change in the education system.

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We need to have solid public education and warm classrooms.