Education Policy in Solingen: Outlook for April 2026

Reorientation of School Social Work: Expansion and Distribution in Solingen

The Committee for Schools and Further Education is planning a fundamental reorientation of school social work in Solingen. The goal is to equip all primary schools with at least 0.5 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent). To achieve this, staff shares will be transferred from secondary to primary schools—without additional costs for the 2026 budget.

The current funding of school social work is largely dependent on a state subsidy of 80%, with the city of Solingen contributing 20%. The new distribution will be based on objective criteria such as student numbers and the social index. However, the Speaking Council of Solingen Schools has expressed concerns: broader participation and more time for redistribution are necessary to develop transparent and comprehensible criteria.

Implementation of the reorientation is planned for August 2026. In the long term, however, a dynamic budget is required to ensure rising wage levels can be secured.

Digitalization and Microsoft 365 Licenses: Challenges and Progress

Digitalization in Solingen schools is a central theme in education policy. In January 2026, there were significant issues with the provision of Microsoft 365 licenses. Although the online area was accessible, the desktop versions were restricted. The city has since secured the distribution through a central pool.

The current equipment remains unchanged, but the experiences show: continuous monitoring and technical support are necessary to ensure digitalization in the education sector. A stable infrastructure is particularly crucial for distance learning and learning platforms.

Construction Projects at Solingen Schools: Safety and Future Readiness

Comprehensive construction projects are currently underway at several schools in Solingen. Approximately 100,000 euros per year are being invested in fire protection measures, renovations, and conversions. Notable projects include the renovation of escape staircases, the construction of new toilet facilities, and the building of new canteen buildings.

A central project is the new construction of the Carl-Ruß School. The school will transition to a "two-site solution": the main site at Fürkerfeldstraße and a second site at Wahnenkamp. The renovation work includes toilets, windows, sun protection, and LED lighting.

In contrast, the Wilhelm-Hartschen School urgently needs a new building, as the capacity of the current site is fully utilized. A long-term solution is the subject of intensive planning.

Shortening the Duration of Vocational Training: Focus on the Technical College

The Technical College specializing in Machine Engineering will be shortened by one year starting with the 2026/2027 school year. The training period will decrease from four to three years, with up to 25% of the training being offered as distance learning. The aim is to increase the attractiveness of the educational program and reduce dropout rates.

The decision is part of a collaboration with vocational colleges in Wuppertal and Oberhausen and supports the sustainability goal of education. The school administration will be tasked with reporting the concept to the district government of Düsseldorf.

Outlook: Education Reports and Compliance Rules

The Committee for Schools and Further Education also plans to produce regular education reports. The goal is to ensure transparency in education policy and to evaluate developments.

Another topic is the development of compliance rules for contracts with service providers in the education sector. Communication standards, payment terms, and billing procedures will be uniformly defined. The proposal is planned for the 2027 budget.

---

Education policy in Solingen is characterized by innovation, but also by challenges. The reorientation of school social work, the digitalization of schools, and forward-looking construction planning show how the city is further developing its educational infrastructure. Yet, as always, it holds true: only through transparent decision-making and broad participation can sustainable education policy emerge.