Education Policy in Cottbus: Challenges and Decisions in April 2026

Education and Culture in Cottbus: A Political Review for April 2026

In April 2026, several exciting topics in the field of education and public institutions came to the forefront in Cottbus. The Committee for Education, Sports, Culture, and Sorbian/Wendish Affairs met multiple times to coordinate decisions of future relevance. Particularly notable were the discussions on the partial subject planning for school social work and the issue of rehearsal spaces for music groups. Both topics illustrate how closely education policy is linked to social, cultural, and infrastructural challenges.

School Social Work: Between Legal Obligation and Financial Reality

The partial subject planning for school social work 2026–2032 was one of the central agenda items. According to current regulations (§§ 91 ff. BbgKJG), school social work is legally anchored as a comprehensive service of child and youth welfare. A calculated total need of 42 full-time equivalents (FTEs) has been determined to adequately support all public and non-public schools in the city. However, the current staffing level is at 31 FTEs, which clearly shows a deficit.

The city of Cottbus has decided to continue school social work with the current staff until the outcome of the connectivity lawsuit is clarified. An immediate expansion to 42 FTEs is not recommended for financial reasons, as the refinancing mechanism remains unclear. At the same time, reducing the existing positions is considered neither professionally nor legally justifiable.

Additionally, state and federal funds from the Startchancen program are to be used to specifically strengthen eleven schools. This demonstrates that the city is striving to ensure the best possible support within available resources, even though long-term financing remains uncertain.

Rehearsal Spaces: An Urgent Infrastructure Question

Another important topic was the problem of rehearsal spaces for music groups in Cottbus. Currently, 11 bands are rehearsing in six rooms under the former "Faulen August." These spaces, however, have significant deficiencies: they are poorly lit and ventilated, and water damage from rain threatens equipment and instruments.

The requirements for modern rehearsal spaces are high: they must be dry, secure against break-ins, accessible 24/7, at least 25 square meters in size, equipped with electricity and sanitary facilities, and well located. In addition, storage space of at least 5 square meters, sound insulation, barrier-free access, and affordability are essential criteria. These demands show that this is not only about cultural needs but also about infrastructure that supports social and economic potential—especially for young musicians and the local cultural scene.

Language and Identity: Lower Sorbian in the Cottbus Zoo

Another, albeit smaller, discussion point was the motion by the AfD faction to enable the use of the Lower Sorbian language in the Cottbus Zoo. This proposal reflects the broader discourse on cultural identity and linguistic diversity in the region. The committee examined how language, as part of cultural identity, can be meaningfully integrated into the urban space—a question that is relevant beyond the zoo as well.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

The decisions in April 2026 show how closely education policy is linked to social, cultural, and financial factors. The city of Cottbus faces the challenge of ensuring comprehensive and legally secure school social work without overburdening the budget. At the same time, it must take the needs of the young cultural scene into account—an investment that is not only culturally but also economically sensible.

The next steps—especially the discussions in the Main Committee on April 22—will show whether the planned measures receive broad support. In the long term, it is clear: only with a clear perspective on education, youth welfare, and cultural infrastructure can Cottbus remain a livable and competitive city in the future.