Critique of SPD Parliamentary Group Over G9 Funding in Schleswig-Holstein Schools
The SPD parliamentary group has sounded off against the state government for neglecting to support local authorities during the transformation of grammar schools to the G9 system. In a recent motion presented to the state parliament, they assert: "The state government should collaborate with municipalities to construct schools in Schleswig-Holstein." This includes, for instance, not pushing the application deadline for additional expenses resulting from the return of grammar schools to G9 to end on February 28, 2024. G9 refers to the nine-year Gymnasium, an alternative to the eight-year G8 that permits students to achieve their Abitur.
SPD education politician Martin Habersaat has expressed dissatisfaction with the short deadline for applying to grammar schools. "Many factors are still unclear, numerous developments are still under discussion. It's not fair to want to conclude matters here. That's why we are asking the state parliament to withdraw this deadline." Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) took more than five years to publish the related directive, following the initial agreement between the government and municipal umbrella organizations in 2018, and this delay was criticized by Habersaat.
The state is also providing insufficient financial support to cover the expenses incurred by the school authorities. Estimates suggest that approximately 86 million euros is needed for new classrooms, yet Schleswig-Holstein only allocates a maximum of five million euros and refuses to provide an expert opinion. On the other hand, North Rhine-Westphalia has such an expert opinion, which has resulted in the state paying 518 million euros to local authorities in ten installments.
Additional Insights:
Despite the criticism from the SPD parliamentary group, the Schleswig-Holstein state government has yet to unveil any plans for collaborating with municipalities in shaping school construction, as requested in the motion presented to the state parliament. The state parliament, which incorporates representatives from various political parties, such as the SPD, Greens, and FDP, has yet to reach a consensus on the G9 funding issue.
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