Education and Public Facilities in Viersen – April 2026 in Focus

Education and Public Facilities in Viersen – April 2026

April 2026 was a month of far-reaching decisions in the field of education and public facilities in Viersen. A wide range of topics were on the agenda, including school development, mobility, climate adaptation, and the future of the after-school program. These measures reflect the city’s efforts to strengthen its educational infrastructure and meet the needs of its population.

School Development and Name Changes

A central topic was the reorientation of the city’s schools. The Municipal Community Primary School Rahser – Primary Level – will continue in the upcoming school year under the name "Lindenschule" (Linden School). The name was unanimously recommended by the school conference and is now pending a decision by the city council. This name change is a step toward strengthening the school's identity and emphasizing its regional connection.

In addition, the establishment of so-called Family Primary School Centers was decided. These centers are to be set up at Startchance schools starting in February 2027 and will include up to three locations. They aim to better integrate families and parents into the daily school routine. Funding will be supported by North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) until 2029, after which the city will have to bear the full costs. The annual cost per location amounts to 147,600 euros, of which the city must cover 45,200 euros itself.

Mobility and Student Transport

In the area of mobility, Viersen continued the so-called "Germany ticket for students." The ticket will be extended for the school years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028. Funding is provided through an agreement with the Rhein-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) and NEW mobil & aktiv Viersen GmbH. The agreement runs until 2028 and can be terminated with a three-month notice. However, financial security depends on whether the state of NRW continues to cover the costs of the Germany ticket.

After-School Care and Summer Camps

Another important topic was summer care within the after-school program. At the KGS Remigiusschule, a three-week summer camp will be offered in 2026 with approximately 115 children participating. The care hours range from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the staff will be drawn from all after-school locations. No additional fees beyond the regular after-school program (OGS) parental contributions are planned. This model is considered a pilot phase to evaluate and further develop summer care concepts.

In addition, an OGS framework concept was presented, regulating the long-term planning of the after-school program. Staff training and quality standards are central components of this concept.

Heat Planning and Climate Adaptation

Alongside educational policy topics, climate adaptation was also a focus. The Heat Action Plan (MN 16 KLAK) was noted by several committees and accepted as a working basis. The city of Viersen plans to establish an interdisciplinary working group on heat, coordinating measures for heat prevention. These include the creation of maps with cool areas, awareness campaigns, and the installation of drinking water stations.

The project is planned to be funded with 10,000 euros in 2026 and 5,000 euros in 2027. In addition, collaboration with external partners such as the health department, fire department, and social authorities is planned to effectively implement the measures.

Future Outlook

The decisions made in April 2026 show that Viersen is strongly focused on the future of its education system and public facilities. With the establishment of Family Primary School Centers and the expansion of the after-school program, the focus is on comprehensive child care. At the same time, the heat planning demonstrates that climate challenges are being actively addressed.

The coming months will show how these measures affect school development and the quality of life in Viersen. With these decisions, the city has set a clear course – toward innovation, flexibility, and sustainability.