Education Policy in Lingen: Digitalization, Full-Day Care, and Catering in March 2026

Digitalization in Secondary Education I: New Devices Provided by the State of Lower Saxony

In March 2026, the School Committee thoroughly addressed the digitalization of schools in Lingen. Following a central tender by the state of Lower Saxony, which closed on March 15, 2026, all students in 7th grade and teachers at primary schools will be equipped with digital devices starting in the school year 2026/27. The state has allocated a total of 800 million euros for this purpose until 2031.

The devices – primarily Apple iPads – will be used for up to four years until students complete Secondary Education I. The city of Lingen already uses the "Apple School Manager" system, ensuring a smooth integration of the new devices into the existing IT infrastructure. The devices will be delivered to the schools by August 1, 2026 at the latest, to allow for proper integration into the city's computer systems.

Digitalization is seen as an opportunity to modernize learning methods and strengthen equal opportunities through technological equipment. At the same time, the city remains bound by the state's guidelines, which limits flexibility in device selection and management.

Implementation of the Full-Day Care Entitlement: Expansion of Care for Primary School Children

The implementation of the statutory full-day care entitlement is another central topic discussed in the School Committee. Starting with the school year 2026/27, a legal entitlement to full-day care will apply to children in the 1st grade in Lower Saxony. Each year, one additional grade will be added until, by the school year 2029/2030, all children in grades 1 to 4 will be covered.

In Lingen, full-day care has been available five days a week since the school year 2009/2010. However, in March 2026, specific questions regarding the implementation of the new legal entitlement had to be addressed. Particularly the demand on Fridays proved challenging: only 13% of first graders require care on Fridays. Nevertheless, an offer must be made, as the legal entitlement requires it.

The BN and CDU factions requested that siblings of first graders also be included in the care program. This could position Lingen as a pioneer, but first the actual care needs must be determined. The administration was tasked with examining concrete implementation options.

Midday Catering: Quality, Organic Content, and New Tenders

Midday catering for primary schools is another focal point discussed in March 2026. Starting with the school year 2026/2027, catering will be re-tendered, with each school treated as a separate lot. The tendering process spans four years and is guided by the quality standards of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE).

Caterers will be evaluated based on several criteria: 50% price, 35% sensory quality, 5% organic content, 5% hot-holding time, and 5% school implementation concept. Additionally, a test tasting involving school management, parents, students, and the school operator is planned. The catering should include organic and regional products, and artificial additives should be avoided. Religious and cultural aspects as well as allergies will be considered.

Another discussion point was the inclusion of siblings in the midday catering. While the holiday care already meets the full-day care requirements, a daily registration or a "buddy and buddyine rule" is suggested. This could make care more flexible and relieve families.

Challenges and Investments in Infrastructure

Alongside strategic topics, specific infrastructure challenges were also in focus. The Matthias-Claudius-School still has problems with its sanitation facilities. Although new toilets were created in the context of the new construction of the two-court gymnasium, the sanitation areas in the gymnasium and the second building are considered outdated. In addition, the containers used primarily as classrooms are not sufficiently insulated, leading to extreme temperatures in summer and winter.

The administration emphasized that the containers comply with the applicable energy efficiency standards, but parents and teachers are urgently requesting better conditions. Within the investment program "Full-Day Care Expansion Lower Saxony," approval notices for expansion measures at several primary schools have already been issued. Technical planning is underway, and the first construction measures will begin in the coming months.

In addition, the city of Lingen plans to equip primary schools with water dispensers. 25,000 euros have been set aside in the budget. A leasing model is being used because the funds are allocated in the non-investment operating budget.

Outlook: Education Policy as a Central Building Block for Lingen's Future

The March meeting of the School Committee shows that education in Lingen (Ems) is not only viewed as a pedagogical issue but also as a central building block for social and economic development. Digitalization, the implementation of the full-day care entitlement, and the improvement of catering and infrastructure conditions are steps toward a modern, inclusive, and future-oriented education policy.

The challenges remain significant, especially when it comes to long-term financing and the flexibility of care offerings. However, by actively involving parents, teachers, and politicians, and by clearly focusing on quality and equal opportunities, Lingen sets a good example for other cities in Lower Saxony.