School uniforms are a hot topic for parents of new middle and high school students recently.


-You have to buy a set with items you don't want


-Physical clothes worn by students are not included


-You are forced to buy the same size -It is


uncomfortable and dangerous for students to gather at once during a specified period, etc.


Various complaints are popping up.



Looking back on my past experiences, it wasn't much different.

By the way, perfect for the last scene!

There was a crucial difference.

After adding a shirt and bottoms to the basic school uniform set, they paid more than 200,000 won.

I also remember saying to myself, “Middle school students cost a lot of money from the start.”


I don't buy school uniforms with my own money anymore...

Expansion of support for school uniform expenses nationwide

Now is the era of 'free school uniform'.

As of January 2022, 17 metropolitan/provincial education offices or metropolitan/basic local governments across the country, excluding some areas in Gyeongbuk, support school uniform expenses for new middle and high school students.

There may be additional costs for purchasing cardigans and gym clothes, but it is very different from the amount I paid.

When the free school uniform was first introduced, it was noisy as it emerged as another universal welfare policy following free school meals, but it has already taken place in all cities and towns across the country.

In addition, various support measures were added, such as free high school education and support for study materials.

The concern about 'selective welfare vs universal welfare', which started with free meals, seems to be shifting to how far to support our children's educational activities.


Parents who are not satisfied with 'free school uniform'... Why?

But why are there so many complaints about 'free school uniforms'?

We inquired with the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, which is providing 300,000 won for school uniforms from 2020 to high school freshmen from 2019 for new middle school students.

Coordinators explain that most of these complaints are at the discretion of individual schools.

Each school selects a company through an open bidding and contracts, and the contents are decided by collecting opinions of students and parents from the school uniform selection committee.

In other words, it is the choice of the school members whether to make it as a daily wear instead of a formal school uniform, or whether to add one more shirt and a bottom to the basic set of school uniforms.

The Gyeonggi Office of Education provides guidelines to each school, from uniform quality inspection to sanctions against companies that have problems with customer service, so that the 'purchase of school uniforms' can be done smoothly. .

In the end, each school has to collect the opinions of its internal members and solve it.


"Should I buy items I don't need? I feel like I'm carrying the company's inventory."

- parents

If so, can't we have more freedom to choose within the scope of the subsidy?



Since last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has been providing 'admission support' of 300,000 won to all freshmen in middle and high schools.

The school uniform subsidy provided by some districts has been extended to all areas of downtown Seoul.

This 'admission subsidy' can buy not only school uniforms, but also study books and smart devices.

If you do not apply to purchase school uniforms, you will be given zero pay points.

If you still have funds left after purchasing school uniforms, you can get a refund with zero pay points.

It is more reasonable than the method of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education.

However, it will not be easy to expand this method nationwide.

It is operated in conjunction with Seoul City's Zero Pay.

Currently, the school uniform cost support project in 17 cities and provinces has different ratios to reflect the budgets of education offices and local governments, so even if the best operation method is found, it is not possible to apply uniformly to all cities and provinces.


"I burst into anger with my first child's school uniform, and I think it will be the same for the second time as well."

-parents

Although it is the responsibility of the provincial and provincial office of education to decide how to pay the subsidy, the details of each school are the students.

Wouldn't that change if parents gave their opinions?

By the way…

…

Parents responded that it was difficult to convey their objections or opinions directly to the school.

It is because of fear that I might look hateful for nothing before entering the school.

They say that all they do is complain to their friends moms or at Mom's Cafe.

Students-parents, who are clearly members of our school, how can we come up with a way to properly gather their voices?

It's definitely not the 12 years of parents living with their ears closed, their mouths closed, and their eyes closed.