Education Policy in Dortmund: Challenges, Progress, and Future Visions

Structural Deficits and Approaches to Strengthen School Social Work

The current structure of school social work in Dortmund shows clear deficits. With only 192 professionals across 105 schools, including 67 schools without any social support, there is a significant need for expansion. The situation is particularly precarious at primary schools, where currently only one in 235 students receives social support.

The GRÜNE & Volt faction has therefore formulated a clear set of demands: Every school in Dortmund should be equipped with at least one school social work position. This approach aims to ensure long-term and sustainable support. However, funding remains a challenge. The municipality currently finances six specialist advisors and one administrative expert, but there is no structural integration into state services.

The coordination unit within the city administration is a positive element, but the large number of providers (18) and the lack of a unified structure complicate planning. Revising the overarching framework concept could be a first step toward greater transparency and efficiency.

School Construction and Investments: Expansion of Infrastructure

In recent years, the city of Dortmund has been intensively addressing the adaptation of schools to growing student numbers and changing pedagogical approaches. In March 2026, several important projects advanced further:

• The expansion of Phoenix Gymnasium and the four-court sports hall at Helene-Lange-Gymnasium are in the planning phase.
• The comprehensive school in southern Wellinghofen will be expanded and relocated by 2028/29, including a temporary satellite location.
• The Hauptschule Wickede will be converted into a special needs school for intellectual development, with a significant budget increase.
• The ABC classes, planned for 2028/29, are another key project aimed at facilitating the transition to school for children with limited language skills.

Funding for these projects is provided through federal funds, including the "Further Education Schools" immediate package. With a total of 357.9 million euros in lump-sum direct funding, Dortmund is well-positioned, although the allocation across infrastructure, renovation, climate protection, and other areas remains a critical issue to monitor. The city plans to invest up to 21 million euros in construction measures by 2027.

Climate Protection and Sustainability in Education Policy

Another important topic in the March session was climate protection in schools. The Left & Animal Welfare Party faction asked about the number of schools implementing climate protection projects and about plans for information events for students and teachers. The administration confirmed that several schools are already carrying out climate protection initiatives, including the establishment of climate parliaments, where students can participate politically.

However, the challenges remain significant: While new construction projects contribute to energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions continue to be a concern. Compliance with Dortmund's real estate standards is a first step, but more projects need to be prioritized to achieve long-term climate neutrality. The administration has therefore been tasked with evaluating criteria for the use of municipal geospatial data and systems for a digital climate information tool.

Outlook: The Future of Education in Dortmund

The March debates clearly show that education policy in Dortmund is undergoing an intense transformation. The challenges range from staffing in school social work and infrastructure to climate protection and equity.

In the future, it will be crucial how well the city is able to translate political demands into concrete measures. For example, the GRÜNE & Volt faction is calling for a clear expansion plan before the 2027 budget. The CDU is focusing on data and statistics to improve the educational landscape. And the Left & Animal Welfare Party emphasizes the political participation of the younger generation.

Dortmund faces the task of shaping an education policy that is both socially and ecologically sustainable and secures the city's future.