The performance evaluation of Seo Geoseok, the Superintendent of Education in Jeollabuk-do, showed low levels of satisfaction in both public opinion polls and on-site surveys of teachers. According to RealMeter's April 2025 nationwide evaluation of provincial education superintendents, Superintendent Seo ranked 11th out of 12 in positive evaluations with only 39.4%, a 1.3% decrease from the previous evaluation, indicating that he has not been able to move out of the lower ranks.

This evaluation was not limited to general public opinion polls but also showed a similar trend in on-site surveys of teachers in Jeollabuk-do. In a survey conducted by the educational civic group 'Saegireul Yeoneun Chamgyo Education Forum' on May 14th, 77.9% of the 303 teachers surveyed expressed 'dissatisfaction' or 'extreme dissatisfaction' with Superintendent Seo's performance, while only 3.6% expressed 'satisfaction' or 'extreme satisfaction'.

The negative evaluation by teachers was accompanied by specific reasons. 80.1% agreed with the statement that there was 'unilateral policy implementation ignoring teachers' opinions', followed by 'excessive administrative tasks' (51.3%) and 'decline in integrity due to judicial risks' (31.4%). This indicates a lack of trust not only in individual evaluations but also in the policy implementation methods and overall organizational culture of the education office.

Elementary school teachers expressed strong dissatisfaction with recently introduced policies such as the Elementary Comprehensive Evaluation System (75.2%), future education policies (54.4%), and the teacher personnel transfer system (57.1%).

The results of RealMeter public opinion polls and the Saechamgyo Education survey show that both the general public and teachers have lost trust in the current educational administration. The high response rate of 15% in an online open voluntary participation method reflects a strong awareness of issues in the education field.

Survey respondents demanded structural and institutional improvements such as 'establishing systems to reflect teachers' opinions' (58.4%), 'legislation to protect educational activities' (49.5%), and 'securing teacher positions' (38.6%).

Some analyses suggest that the role of local media also influenced Superintendent Seo's low approval ratings. Most local media outlets have failed to properly perform their critical function towards the education office, leading to the exclusion of voices from teachers, parents, and citizens in public discourse, and the entrenchment of a unilateral policy decision structure within the education office.

Ultimately, education should operate on the basis of trust and empathy in the field beyond policy outcomes. The low job evaluation of Superintendent Seo may signal structural issues such as a lack of communication and policy effectiveness, going beyond a simple individual evaluation. The restoration of educational administration ultimately lies in the 'field', and regaining trust with teachers is crucial above all for policy success.