Independent schools in Thuringia are sounding the alarm bells over potential underfunding, urging political coalitions not to aggravate the situation further by demanding additional repayments. The State Working Group of Independent Schools in Thuringia (LAG) expressed their concerns in Erfurt last Tuesday, stating that the recent change in the Ministry of Education's legal opinion could potentially worsen the already existing underfunding.
According to the LAG, this change involves the recognition of depreciation and overhead costs, including administrative expenses, that are crucial to independent schools as well as state schools. These costs are currently recognized in part by the state and the remainder is covered by school fees. The LAG emphasized that around 30,000 pupils attend independent schools in Thuringia.
The LAG implored the state parliamentary groups to draft legislation to ensure the acknowledgement of these costs. While the Ministry of Education is currently of the opinion that these costs should no longer be recognized, the LAG argues that they are an essential part of the overall school financing system.
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Interestingly, independent schools are not state-funded en masse but receive a percentage of the per-pupil funding allocated to state schools based on the average cost of education. According to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the funding for independent schools is calculated by determining the average cost of education at a state school and then providing 80% of this amount to independent schools for each student enrolled ().
Unfortunately, the cost of education has risen significantly over the years, necessitating a re-evaluation of the existing funding structure. The LAG's primary concern is that this change in legal opinion will further jeopardize the financial stability of independent schools, working against the best interests of the 30,000 students that attend these schools in Thuringia.
While there is no specific data available on how this might impact individual schools, the potential implications are undeniably worrying. Independent schools play a crucial role in diversifying the educational landscape, offering alternative perspectives and educational opportunities. Without adequate funding, this diversity could be well on its way to disappearing, negatively impacting the educational choices available to families in Thuringia.
Ultimately, finding a fair and equitable solution that ensures the financial sustainability of independent schools while maintaining the quality of education is paramount. The LAG's call for legislation to acknowledge depreciation and overhead costs is a vital step toward achieving this equilibrium.
