March in Neukirchen-Vluyn: Construction Planning, Education, and Civic Engagement

Education and the Future: What Was Important This Month

• New entry classes at schools from 2027/28: The city is planning for 3 classes at the Antonius- and Pestalozzi-Schools, 4 at the G.-Tersteegen-School, and 56 children at the F.-Hundertwasser-School.
• Student participation is being institutionalized: Four students from the Gesamtschule Niederberg and four from the Julius-Stursberg-Gymnasium will become advisory members of the SBKSG.
• Investment project at the Kita Diesterwegstraße: The investment needs will be considered in the coming years.
• Construction start at the Neukirchener Ring in the first half of 2026: Mayor Geilmann confirmed the planned start of construction.
• Municipal contribution for the Kita Wiesfurthstraße from August 2026: The city will cover 7.8% of the costs, with budgeting exceeding the 2026 plans and being considered in 2027 and beyond.
• New street names approved: Dr.-Lore-Kunkel-Weg and Anne-Brüggestraß-Weg.

Education and School Development: Ensuring a Future-Oriented Approach

Education was a central topic in the March council session. The city has decided on how many entry classes will start in the 2027/28 school year. The Antonius- and Pestalozzi-Schools will each receive three classes, the G.-Tersteegen-School will get four, and the F.-Hundertwasser-School will welcome a total of 56 children. In addition, a pilot project on student participation was approved: four students from the Gesamtschule Niederberg and four from the Julius-Stursberg-Gymnasium will become advisory members of the Committee for Social Affairs, Education, Culture, Sports, and Equality (SBKSG). This marks a step toward greater participation and the inclusion of the younger generation in political decision-making processes.

Urban Development and Construction Planning: From Street Renaming to Bauturbo

The Urban Development Committee intensively addressed construction planning and housing promotion. The CDU faction submitted a motion to actively implement the Bauturbo (§ 36a BauGB). A central aspect is the creation of a municipal criteria catalog to make decision-making more transparent. A working group is to be established that reflects the majority positions in the council. In addition, two streets were renamed: Planstraße 1 will now be known as Dr.-Lore-Kunkel-Weg, and Planstraße 2 as Anne-Brüggestraß-Weg – a decision passed with broad support. In the Building Committee, the renovation of the sports hall at Jahnstraße was also discussed. Due to construction defects, it was decided to have the construction work reviewed by the Audit Office.

Budget and Finance: Investments and Staff Planning

The Main and Finance Committee dealt with staff planning and investment decisions. For the hiring year 2027, a total of five training positions are planned, including two trainee inspectors, two administrative clerks, and one educator. In addition, it was decided to secure a winding drum from the historical winding tower of Zeche Niederberg to be integrated into the student initiative "Winding Drum" on the site. A financial evaluation was not conducted, but symbolically, the move is a sign of the preservation of regional industrial culture.

Trends and Topics: Civic Participation and Sustainability

Civic participation has become a stronger focus in Neukirchen-Vluyn in recent months. Starting in 2026, student participation will be firmly anchored in the committees. At the same time, the city is addressing topics such as roof greening, photovoltaics, and playground patronage to promote sustainability. Implementing such projects is not only a step toward climate protection but also a contribution to shaping a livable urban life.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 in Neukirchen-Vluyn was marked by clear decisions in the field of education, concrete planning in urban development, and the securing of investments. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of young people in political processes and the preservation of regional culture through the protection of historical monuments. In April, further discussions on the budget and possible expansion of participation in investment projects are planned. The city is on a course of foresight, transparency, and civic participation – and this has never been more important.