Andernach in Focus: What Happened in February 2026

Rethinking Education – Andernach Invests in Full-Day Schools

Implementation of the Right to Full-Day Support

On February 19, 2026, Andernach’s Youth Welfare Committee made a landmark decision on the implementation of the Right to Full-Day Support according to the Full-Day Support Act (GaFöG) starting with the school year 2026/2027. The goal is to enable children to benefit from full-day support and education in full-day schools (GTS) and supporting elementary schools (BGS), thus meeting the new legal requirements.

The city plans to implement care in two models: at half-day schools with morning and afternoon care (7:00–8:00 and 12:00–15:00) and at full-day schools with lunchtime care (12:00–13:30), provided at least 8 children are present. Parental contributions have been set: 63 €/month for BGS, 25 €/month for GTS-Plus, and 152 €/week for the holiday program.

A key focus is the digital overview of services, the inclusion of independent providers in holiday care, and the introduction of a uniform standard for BGS offerings. In addition, a catalog of measures for the renovation of the youth center is being developed and submitted to the state.

Closure of the After-School Facility in Eich

The after-school facility in Eich will be phased out gradually, although existing contracts will remain valid until their expiration. In Namedy, care will be discontinued in favor of BGS offerings, and the pavilion will be used additionally. The administration is tasked with close communication with parents and to review the sibling bonus.

Funding and Administration

The city's total costs for subsidies amount to 278,904 €, distributed as follows: BGS (179,960 €), GTS+ (7,744 €), and holiday program (91,200 €). Cost calculations and the integration of third-party funding are central to the implementation.

Legal Foundations

The decisions are based on the Full-Day Support Act (GaFöG), the Eighth Book of the Social Code (SGB VIII), and the School Act. The administration is primarily coordinated through the Office for Youth and Social Affairs, Schools, led by Gudrun Kapp and Katrin Merks.

Andernach Elects a New Mayor

Sammy Labidi Elected as Mayor

On February 25, 2026, the city council elected Sammy Labidi as the new mayor of Andernach with unanimous support. Labidi received 24 out of 41 votes, while Milan Kriegel received 15 votes. The election was conducted by the Election Committee, consisting of Christian Greiner (Chair), Judith Lehnigk-Emden, Sarah Omar (Alternate), and Jochen Schuth (Secretary).

The assumption of office is planned for October 22, 2026. The new mayor will be assigned to Salary Grade B 2 BBesG, which includes a service burden compensation of 158 €. The addition for classification in B 3 BBesG was removed, as the current officeholder did not reapply.

Further Personnel Matters

The city council unanimously decided on the reappointment of the Youth Welfare Committee, including Timur Külahcioglu, Birgit Schröder, Hartmut Dressel, and Fabian Ringel. The parent representatives on the school board were confirmed: Björn Steffen (Elementary School Eich) and Daniel Ledovskich (Elementary School St. Peter).

Monthly Meeting Review

What Was Important This Month

• The Youth Welfare Committee decided on the right to full-day support in Andernach.
• Sammy Labidi was elected mayor with unanimous support.
• The after-school facility in Eich is being phased out and replaced by BGS offerings.
• Holiday care will be supported by independent providers, with a digital offering planned.
• The city council updated the composition of the Youth Welfare Committee and the School Board.

Perspectives and Challenges

Education and Integration in Focus

February 2026 marks a milestone for Andernach in the areas of education and integration. The implementation of the right to full-day support is a central step towards improving equal opportunities for children. At the same time, the election of a new mayor reflects the political stability and planning security essential for implementing such projects.

The discontinuation of existing after-school facilities and the transition to BGS offerings show that Andernach is adapting flexibly to changing legal frameworks. The inclusion of parents and independent providers in holiday care is another signal of a participatory and inclusive educational landscape.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was a month of decisions and structural changes in Andernach. With the election of the new mayor, Sammy Labidi, and the implementation of the right to full-day support, the city has set important course for the future. In March 2026, further discussions and coordination will take place, particularly in the local councils and the Main and Finance Committee.

The challenges are clear: financing the new care offerings, communication with parents, and practical implementation. However, with a clear plan and a committed administration, Andernach is well-positioned to meet these challenges.

Stay tuned – March is going to be exciting.