Educational chaos in Schleswig-Holstein: Representation funds empty and debate escalates!

Educational chaos in Schleswig-Holstein: Representation funds empty and debate escalates!

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland - Today, on July 23, 2025, the last state parliament meeting took place in Schleswig-Holstein in uncomfortable rainy weather before the summer break. While the water dripped off the ceiling in the canteen of the state parliament, the government around Minister of Education Dorit Stenke (CDU) came into the focus of the opposition, which further increased the pressure on educational issues. As ndr was asked particularly critically after the minister had been announced that Representation fund for teachers is empty, which is due to high diseases in schools.

The current numbers are alarming: the representation fund is already exhausted in 10 out of 15 circles and independent cities. This fund comprised 8.4 million euros nationwide, including the funds for high schools. Cities such as Kiel, Lübeck and Neumünster as well as the districts of Rendsburg-Eckernförde and Plön are badly affected. Many schools are confronted with the fact that they cannot hire representative teachers, which means that every ninth lesson in the north cannot take place according to the plan, and at vocational schools it even affects every seventh hour. SPD education politician Martin Habersaat described the situation as an alarm sign and demands more transparency and effective use of the funds, such as News4Teachers reported.

improvement in sight?

Despite the predicament, Education Minister Stenke announced that it would increase the fund. Four million euros are to be made available from other pots to better manage the coming school year. The Ministry admits that controlling did not work enough and the situation was not recognized early. This was sharply criticized by the opposition, which felt ignored by the announcements of the minister. FDP parliamentary group leader Christopher Vogt expressed his concerns about inclusion and teacher lack of teachers, who are also strain on the schools.

stenke described the situation as "very, very annoying" and is therefore not only faced with the challenge of cleaning up the financial situation, but also to regain the trust of schools and parents. While the debate about educational policy continues to rage, it is clear: there is a lot to do to ensure the quality of the lessons in the country.