Education Policy in Potsdam: Fees, Infrastructure, and Social Support in Focus

Music School Fees Rise – Compensation for Increasing Costs

In February 2026, the Potsdam Music School was forced to increase its course fees. This was done under the framework of a second ordinance amending the fee regulation. Previous increases in 2011/2014 were no longer sufficient to cover rising costs due to inflation, wage developments, and new permanent appointments.

The fee increases will take effect gradually from 01.08.2026 and are planned to continue until 2028. An expected additional income of about 15% is projected for the academic year 26/27, and 10% in the following years. At the same time, new social discounts were introduced to relieve financially disadvantaged families. These discounts will now also apply to course offerings, not just private lessons.

The decision reflects a compromise between financial sustainability and social responsibility. Critics warn that the increases could make access to the music school more difficult for some families. However, the city emphasizes that the adjustments are necessary to ensure the long-term quality of the program.

Progress in School and Daycare Construction

Another central topic in the sessions of the Education and Sports Committee was the progress report on school and daycare construction. Potsdam has been investing in the modernization and expansion of its educational institutions for several years to meet increasing demand.

In February 2026, concrete project updates were presented, including the expansion of full-day schools and the renovation of existing daycare centers. The infrastructure development is part of a long-term plan extending until 2030. The goal is to ensure sufficient and high-quality childcare and education, even with a growing population.

Discussions also revealed challenges: rising costs for building materials and energy, as well as slow approval processes, are hindering implementation. Nevertheless, the administration praised the achievement of important milestones, particularly in the implementation of the Daycare Investment Program (KIS).

Strengthening School Social Work – The Focus on the Startchancen Program

At the beginning of the month, topics were also discussed that went beyond purely financial issues. On 24.02.2026, the Education and Sports Committee and the Youth Welfare Committee discussed the role of school social work within the nationally known Startchancen (Opportunity Start) program.

The program aims to provide early support to children and youth in socially disadvantaged areas in order to reduce inequalities in opportunities. In Potsdam, school social workers are deployed in several schools to offer psychosocial care, parental support, and learning assistance. The discussion centered on how this work can be made more targeted and sustainable in the future.

Critics argue that personnel resources must be further expanded to meet growing needs. At the same time, discussions are ongoing on how to improve cooperation between schools, youth welfare services, and parent associations to ensure comprehensive support.

Outlook: Ensuring Educational Quality and Social Justice

The political decisions of February 2026 show that Potsdam is actively working on the future of its educational institutions. The fee adjustments at the music school illustrate how the city is attempting to compensate for financial pressures while not losing sight of the social dimension. At the same time, it becomes clear that investments in infrastructure and social work are necessary to ensure the long-term quality of education.

In 2026, it will therefore continue to be interesting to observe how the city manages the challenges posed by inflation, demographic change, and rising expectations in education policy. Discussions in the Education and Sports Committee show that exchange between politics, administration, and the public is essential to finding sustainable solutions.