Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fourth meeting of the Council for the Implementation of Education Rebuilding at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the system of the board of education.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"As in the previous meeting, we have today discussed the system of the board of education.
I believe that the system of the board of education will become a discussion on the fundamentals of the education system.
I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts for making substantial discussion.
In order to implement education rebuilding, also in relation to the problem of bullying as is summarized in the first proposal in the previous meeting, the establishment of a responsibility system in education is an issue that cannot be avoided.
From such perspective, in order to respond appropriately and promptly to problems taking place in the actual places of education, I believe that a fundamental reform in the current system of the board of education will be necessary.
In addition, this issue involves various discussions, including the relationship between the local government leader and the board of education, and the role of the national government in education. I expect discussions also including the issue of responsibility and authority as well as political neutrality.
While it is one way of thinking to separate the local government leaders completely from the discussion, my simple question is that, in the first place, shouldn't local government leaders and governors be allowed to present to citizens and prefectural residents the kind of education they are trying to provide, and be able to realize such education when the citizens' and residents' consents are obtained?
Although education administration and the content of education are separate issues, I believe it is necessary to carry forward the discussion by also securely streamlining such points.
I would like to expect this Council to present the direction of reform, including the issues I mentioned so far."