Daejeon: The Ministry of Education announced it has demanded severe disciplinary measures for the principal of a Daejeon elementary school, following the murder of an 8-year-old student by a teacher in February. The principal is accused of inadequate supervision of the teacher responsible for the crime.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry also requested the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education to impose mild disciplinary actions on the deputy principal and an education support office official associated with the school. These actions are sought for their failure to address concerns regarding the teacher's behavior.
The tragic incident occurred on February 10, when Myeong Jae-wan, a 48-year-old teacher, stabbed a first-grade student in an empty classroom. The principal allegedly did not report Myeong to authorities, despite instructions from the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education after she exhibited threatening behavior and damaged school property.
Furthermore, the principal is criticized for not noting Myeong's unauthorized absence on the day of the incident. During this absence, she acquired the weapon used in the crime. The deputy principal is faulted for not notifying the principal about the teacher's absence, and the education support official is blamed for not taking action after being informed of Myeong's unusual conduct.