- Large-scale budgets allocated for comprehensive daylong expansion
The nation is determined to enhance assistance to localities in expanding after-school programs at elementary schools. Commencing this year, a substantial million-figure sum will be disbursed annually for the subsequent six years to address the pileup of requests for expansion. This is evident in a letter from the governing coalition's leadership to the state municipal associations.
Unions foresee turmoil
In 2022, both federal and state authorities endorsed a legal entitlement to after-school programs in primary schools, which is being implemented gradually. By the 2026/2027 academic year, this will be applicable to first-grade students, and by 2029/2030, to all classes.
The labor union Verdi urges the state to establish stringent quality standards for after-school programs. With the onset of the legal entitlement, there's a risk of complete disarray in Baden-Württemberg, the union expressed concern. "We now require clear and binding guidelines for minimum standards in supplementary educational offers," stated Hanna Binder, deputy head of Verdi's state branch.
Absent these, education in the southwest would hinge on unpredictable political and financial factors in the respective municipality, Binder cautioned.
The Association of Education and Education (VBE) also advocated for quality benchmarks for the full day to be defined. "A comprehensive implementation by 2026, despite the financial boost being discussed, appears unlikely."
Funds for health facilities too
In the budget committee meeting, the Greens and CDU also agreed to subsidize hospitals with state funds of 150 million euros this year. The funds are intended for digitalization and investments. This support will be reassessed in 2025.
For the accommodation and integration of refugees, the state intends to entirely transfer federal funds of 230 million euros to municipalities in 2024, and only half in 2025 and 2026.
The plans for the double budget are to be finalized by the budget committee on Friday. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) applauded the coalition partners' agreement and spoke of "tough" negotiations. "We've gone to the very limit," he said. "We've already squeezed every lemon we could find."
The state municipal associations appreciated the funding from the governing coalition, as it will significantly aid them in implementing the new after-school programs. However, the Municipality of Baden-Württemberg needs clear guidelines and minimum quality standards to ensure the success of these programs.
