The education union GEW is pushing for the state to uphold its agreed funding commitment for school social work. GEW's Baden-Württemberg state chairwoman, Monika Stein, voiced this demand in Stuttgart recently, arguing that the current yearly fixed allocation of 16,700 euros per position falls short due to rising salaries and expenses. According to Stein, if the state adhered to the one-third funding agreement, each position would receive approximately 22,000 euros annually[2].
The Ministry of Social Affairs acknowledges the state's involvement in funding school social work since 2012. Despite this, municipalities assume the primary responsibility for school social work services.
School social workers play a crucial role in tackling educational disadvantages and poverty. They relieve teachers of heavy burdens by supporting pupils in challenging life situations and assisting them in crisis situations, ensuring minimal barriers for access to support[2].
Advocating for a broader expansion of school social work, Monika Stein emphasized its important role in secondary, intermediate, comprehensive, and grammar schools, with 95% coverage in secondary schools but only a good 55% in elementary schools. With roughly 1900 positions for school social workers in the south-west in 2022, distributed among around 2800 individuals, and a stark drop from 829 positions in 2012, the need for increased support is evident[2].
Though not currently seeking additional funding for school social work specifically, GEW's broader pre-election objectives include university construction and renovation funding, researcher contract reforms, and student aid[1]. Overall, ensuring that educational institutions have the necessary resources and facilities to provide quality education and support is crucial for the union.
[1] Source: GEW News Update [2] Source: Stein's Speech at GEW Meeting in Stuttgart
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