Los municipios como agentes de mejora educativa: El caso del Departamento de Administración de Educación Municipal de Cunco (Chile)

Objective: To analyze the actions of the Municipal Education Administration Department (DAEM) of Cunco in order to understand its contribution to educational improvement. Method: A single-case study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted, integrating document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and a questionnaire administered to members of the educational community. The analysis combined qualitative coding, descriptive statistics, and narrative triangulation. Results and Discussion: Progress was observed in pedagogical support and inclusion, alongside weaknesses in strategic planning, the systematic use of information, and territorial participation. Political and cultural constraints also emerged, including management interference, communal culture, and limited autonomy, together with strengths such as the cohesion and experience of the DAEM team. Conclusions: Strengthening the contribution of municipal management requires enhancing professional autonomy, rebuilding trust, and creating stable collaborative structures aimed at organizational learning and the sustained improvement of the local education system.