North Rhine-Westphalia calls for "Excellent School 2025" - financial allocation totals €2.5 billion

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the physical condition of many schools remains a cause for concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the poor digital learning situation in NRW schools, with many institutions having dilapidated buildings and inadequate digital infrastructure.

Sonja Bongers, Chairwoman of the SPD city council fraction and a member of the NRW state parliament, has emphasised the need for a revised version of the 'Good School 2020' law, adapted to current conditions. This, she believes, would help municipalities quickly update school infrastructure.

The 'Good School 2020' program, initiated by the current red-green state government, has been effective but municipalities still need financial support to ensure smooth school operations. The program, if continued for the next five years, could provide the necessary funds for upgrading schools.

However, the state government and the responsible Minister for School and Education, Dorothee Feller, have different stances on the continuation of the program. Feller, who leads the Ministry of School and Education in NRW, is the minister responsible for continuing the "Gute Schule 2020" program in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The financial situation of many NRW municipalities is precarious, delaying the implementation of school upgrades. Around 2.5 billion euros would be required to update the school infrastructure in NRW. It is necessary for the state to centrally record the investment needs for schools in NRW to address this issue effectively.

The funds provided to municipalities through the Digital Pact are currently being used to a limited extent. Bongers suggests that a revised 'Good School 2020' law would help improve the digital learning situation in NRW schools.

Municipalities are under pressure to upgrade schools, provide digital infrastructure, and maintain them. The lack of digital infrastructure and dilapidated buildings hinders the establishment of a digital teaching and learning culture in NRW. NRW ranks low in school investments compared to other federal states, further exacerbating the situation.

Investments in modern school infrastructure, including digital and physical conditions, are crucial for schools in North Rhine-Westphalia. The revised 'Good School 2020' law, if implemented, could pave the way for a brighter future for education in the region.

North Rhine-Westphalia calls for "Excellent School 2025" - financial allocation totals €2.5 billion