Education in Dortmund: From Mobile Classrooms to a Digital Future

Education in Dortmund: From Mobile Classrooms to a Digital Future

The education policy in Dortmund has been shaped by an intense planning process in recent months. Numerous decisions, construction measures, and investments were approved in February 2026 to secure the infrastructure at schools and strengthen the future-readiness of the education system in the long term. Particularly noticeable is the speed with which mobile classroom units (MREs) are being put into operation, as well as the investments in the construction and expansion of schools.

Mobile Classroom Units: A Necessary Short-Term Solution with a Long-Term Plan

The city of Dortmund continues to rely on mobile classroom units (MREs) to accommodate the increasing number of students at secondary schools and comprehensive schools. Several schools are involved in the activation process in the 2026/2027 period, including the Helene-Lange-Gymnasium and the Wilhelm-Rein-Friedrich-Schiller-Gymnasium. The investment costs for the procurement and preparation of the MREs amount to over 14 million euros.

Although MREs are a temporary solution, they are embedded in the budget framework as investments with depreciation periods (20 years for purchase and preparation). The annual operating costs amount to approximately 47,000 euros per unit. In addition, plans are already being made for when and how these units will be dismantled or relocated in the future – an evaluation is planned for 2031.

School Construction: New Buildings and Expansions as Part of Long-Term Planning

The construction of the new comprehensive school in Eving is a central project of the city’s education policy. The school is to be equipped in a future-oriented manner, including a sports hall, an auditorium, a canteen, and a café. However, planning is facing challenges, particularly in terms of land use and financing. Private ownership and insufficient total area are making implementation difficult.

Further projects such as the expansion of the Phoenix-Gymnasium and the four-court sports hall at the Helene-Lange-Gymnasium are included in the school development reporting. Within the "Dortmund 2035" program, investments totaling around 600 million euros are planned for school construction. The city is also planning interim facilities in Brackel, Derne, and Hacheney – especially for the expansion of secondary education.

Digitalization and Psychosocial Support: Two Pillars of Education Policy

Digitalization in schools is another key focus. Funds from the Digital Pact 2.0 could be used here to further improve digital infrastructure and equipment. In 2026, 48,000 euros are already budgeted for digital investments in schools. At the same time, discussions are taking place on how to expand psychosocial support in schools. The administration is being asked to provide a status report that outlines the expansion of psychological counseling, collaboration with non-governmental organizations, and the visibility of these services in schools.

Outlook: Education in Dortmund as the Key to the Future

Dortmund has presented itself in recent months as a city with a clear focus on education. The investments in school construction, digitalization, and psychosocial support show that the city is ready to actively address challenges such as demographic changes, rising student numbers, and the need for inclusive school development. With the "Dortmund 2035" program and the planned evaluation cycles, a long-term plan is becoming visible – a plan that sees education as the key to the future.