Education and Infrastructure in Fürth: Expansion of Full-Day Programs, Sustainability, and Investments

Education and Infrastructure in Fürth: Expansion of Full-Day Programs, Sustainability, and Investments

The city of Fürth's educational policy has clearly evolved in April 2026. With a range of measures—from the expansion of full-day programs through sustainability projects to investments in school construction—Fürth is showing how it intends to shape the future of education and public infrastructure. The decisions made by the Committee for Schools, Education, Sports, and Health on April 16, 2026, mark milestones in several areas.

Expansion of Full-Day Programs and Support Initiatives: Investment in the Future

The expansion of full-day educational and childcare offerings is a central theme in Fürth's educational policy. By participating in the Bavarian support program and securing pre-funding of 3.74 million euros, the city is making a clear investment in the future. Particularly noteworthy is the support of existing after-school spaces (Hortplätze) managed by independent providers, which will receive up to 2,143 euros per space—amounting to a total volume of 1.36 million euros.

Another highlight is the pilot project at Grundschule Seeackerstraße. Starting from the 2026/27 school year, the city will take over the care of four classes, thereby not only extending childcare to five days per week but also enabling cost savings through state funding. The cost savings achieved by eliminating the voluntary contribution are an additional benefit.

In addition, the renovation of FÖZ Süd for the Open Full-Day Program (OGT) is planned. With total investments of 348,845.85 euros and a funding rate of up to 70 percent, the city's share will be limited to 26,845.85 euros. The use of open spaces and garden areas for elementary school groups underscores the city's emphasis on natural learning environments in its educational policy.

Education for Sustainable Development: A Cross-Cutting Theme

Education for Sustainable Development (BNE) is not just a project in Fürth, but a structurally embedded cross-cutting theme. It is part of the local educational management and is implemented in kindergartens, schools, full-day schools, and external learning locations. The report from the Education Advisory Board shows that BNE is firmly anchored in the city on a broad basis—although knowledge about sustainability and design competencies remain diverse.

The extension of the "Bildungskommune" project until 2029 is another step in this direction. With a budget of 950,052 euros—570,031 euros from the city and 380,021 euros from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research—BNE will be further developed in the areas of digitization, democratic education, and quality development in full-day programs. The co-funding from ESF+ funds (40 percent) and project partners (60 percent) underlines the high priority the city of Fürth assigns to this topic.

Meal Price Reform: Transparent Calculation, Clear Structure

In April 2026, the meal price reform was also passed, coming into effect from the 2026/27 school year. The prices are set at 7.22 euros per portion, based on personnel and catering costs. Monthly lump sums for elementary school students (11 meals per year) range from 30 euros for one meal per week to 119 euros for five meals. For middle school students (10 meals per year), the prices are slightly lower.

The centralized catering billing by the city of Fürth is a step toward greater transparency and simplification. The unanimous approval by the Finance and Administration Committee and the review by the School Committee highlight the broad support for this reform.

School Construction and Structural Measures: Preparing for the Future

The city of Fürth is also investing in the physical infrastructure of educational institutions. The progress report on the construction of a new indoor pool at Scherbsgraben and the report on school construction projects show that the city is actively working on the development of its schools. The approval of a two-track first grade at the Hans-Böckler-Schule is another step toward improved school development.

In summary, Fürth is setting clear impulses in educational policy in April 2026. With investments in the expansion of full-day programs, the anchoring of BNE, and the reform of meal prices, the city is demonstrating its readiness to care for the future of its children and youth.