Education Policy in Witten: Challenges and Decisions in February 2026

Education Policy in Witten: What Was Decided in February 2026

Education is a central component in the development of a city – and in February 2026, Witten addressed several current issues. The Education Committee discussed, among other things, the restoration of a three-class structure at a secondary school, the expansion of after-school care (OGS), and school safety. These topics reflect the challenges currently facing educational policy.

Restoration of the Three-Class Structure at the Adolf-Reichwein Secondary School

The Adolf-Reichwein Secondary School in Witten was reduced to two classes in 2015 – a decision made at the time due to student numbers and financial constraints. In the 2024/25 school year, an additional class was already approved, and now the city is considering the restoration of a three-class structure starting in the 2025/26 school year. The reason: the Helene-Lohmann Secondary School in Bommern, the only alternative, is already at full capacity.

The decision raises several questions. Will the three-class structure be sustainable in the long term, or is it only a temporary measure? And what impact will it have on the school’s resources? The discussion shows how sensitive the balance between student numbers, resources, and educational quality is.

Expansion of OGS and After-School Care: A Challenge for the Future

The legal right to full-day care (OGS) for primary school children has changed educational policy in Germany – and Witten is working through the consequences. The expansion of OGS is a central challenge, and the Education Committee is regularly updated on the current status.

The administration has been tasked with establishing a fixed agenda item “Status Report on the Implementation of the OGS Right” during the Education Committee meetings. The goal is to provide transparent reporting on progress, obstacles, and planned measures. The expansion of OGS not only requires resources but also strategic planning – and Witten is in the process of overcoming this challenge.

School Safety in Witten: An Issue That Cannot Be Underestimated

School safety is a topic that regularly comes into focus – not least due to incidents that have occurred in other cities and regions. In February 2026, the CDU faction asked for a safety concept for schools in Witten.

The inquiry included, among other things, the number of incidents in 2025, the amount of material damage incurred, and whether a unified safety concept exists. The CDU faction made it clear: if such a concept does not exist, a corresponding motion will be submitted to the committees. The discussion shows how important it is to consider safety not only as a reactive issue, but as part of a proactive educational policy.

What's Coming Next: School Construction, School Development, and Bike Racks

In addition to the aforementioned topics, the future of school development and the expansion of infrastructure were also on the agenda. The Education Committee decided to establish a permanent agenda item “Status Report on School Construction and Renovation.” Large projects such as the new construction of the Otto-Schott Comprehensive School or renovation work at existing school buildings are among the biggest challenges of the coming years.

Another topic that remained in the discussion was the provision of bike racks at secondary schools. The CDU faction asked about the updating of the needs assessment, site inspections at the schools, and possible funding models. The question of bike racks may seem small – yet it is a symbol of the need to consider even minor details in educational policy.

Outlook: Education Policy in Witten – A Dynamic Process

The decisions made in February 2026 show that educational policy in Witten is in motion. It is responding to new challenges – be it the expansion of OGS, school safety, or infrastructure. At the same time, it is relying on long-term planning and participation – for example, through the resumption of the School Development Working Group.

The coming months will show whether the decided measures are implemented – and whether they lead to a sustainable improvement in the education system.