A-levels - G9 funding: SPD parliamentary group criticizes state government
The SPD parliamentary group has criticized the state government for failing to support local authorities in the transition of grammar schools back to G9. In a motion presented to the state parliament on Monday, it states: "The state government is instructed to shape school construction in Schleswig-Holstein in partnership with the municipalities." This includes, for example, not allowing the application deadline for the additional costs resulting from the return of grammar schools to G9 to end on February 29, 2024. G9 is the name given to the nine-year Gymnasium. In the meantime, the Abitur could be achieved after eight years at a grammar school (G8).
SPD education politician Martin Habersaat criticized the short application deadline for grammar schools. "Many figures are not yet clear, many developments are under discussion. It is not fair to want to close the bag here. That's why we are asking the state parliament to withdraw this deadline." After all, Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) took more than five years to publish the relevant directive following an initial agreement between the government and municipal umbrella organizations on the topic in 2018, criticized Habersaat.
The state is also providing far too little money to cover the costs incurred by the school authorities. Habersaat estimates around 86 million euros for new classrooms, for example. However, Schleswig-Holstein calculates with a maximum of five million euros and refuses to provide an expert opinion. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there is such an expert opinion and the state pays 518 million euros in ten tranches to the local authorities.
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- Despite the criticism from the SPD parliamentary group, the state government in Schleswig-Holstein has not yet announced any plans to collaborate with municipalities in shaping school construction, as requested in the motion presented to the state parliament.
- The SPD parliamentary group, led by Martin Habersaat, has called for the withdrawal of the February 29, 2024, deadline for the application of additional costs due to the changeover of grammar schools to G9, arguing that the short period is unfair and does not allow for proper planning and consideration.
- The SPD and other opposition parties have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the state government's decision to only provide five million euros for the construction of new classrooms to cover the costs incurred by the school authorities, given that an expert opinion exists in North Rhine-Westphalia, which has led to substantial funding of 518 million euros for local authorities.
- The state parliament of Schleswig-Holstein, which includes representatives from various political parties such as the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP, has yet to reach a consensus on the issue of G9 funding for grammar schools and the changeover to a nine-year education system.
- The successful completion of a baccalaureate, also known as Abitur, after eight years of education at a grammar school (G8) provides students with a valuable educational foundation and enhances their opportunities for further education and employment in the future.
Source: www.stern.de
