Hohenlohe District Council: Financing dispute threatens educational region in 2026

Hohenlohe District Council: Financing dispute threatens educational region in 2026

The discussion about the future financing of the Hohenlohekreis educational region is at a critical point. From summer 2026, an annual subsidy of 45,000 euros is being discussed, which is essential for the continuation of educational offers for children and young people. Since its founding on July 1, 2011, the Hohenlohekreis educational region has bundled various extracurricular educational offerings. Without the planned grant totaling 135,000 euros, the continuation of this valuable work is at risk, as the region would otherwise have to stop its activities AGREE.

The financial challenges that the Hohenlohe district currently has to overcome are considerable. District Administrator Ian Schölzel clearly identified the district's precarious situation. The municipalities are having increasing financial difficulties and are putting pressure on the district council. The district council itself is divided about the need to continue to support the educational region. In a vote in the responsible committee, 12 of the 20 district councilors voted for the financing, while 8 were against it. A request from District Councilor Achim Beck (Free Voters) to postpone the decision was rejected.

Support controversy

The opinions within the district council could hardly be more different. While the Free Voters are calling for an end to support for the educational region, CDU Mayor Stefan Neumann is vehemently calling for its support. SPD councilor Hans-Jürgen Saknus, on the other hand, warns of the consequences that a deletion could have for the economy in the region.

The Hohenlohekreis educational region was created as part of the “Educational Regions Impulse Program” of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Its original term until April 30, 2014 has been extended several times - most recently until July 31, 2026. Its main goal is the positive development of the educational landscape in the region in order to cover the future needs of skilled workers, especially small commercial and craft businesses. The educational region focuses on improving the future prospects of children and young people; networking between schools and extracurricular partners is also sought, in accordance with the goals that were set when it was founded Hohenlohekreis-bildungsregion.de.

Outlook for future decisions

The next steps have already been scheduled. The draft district budget will be presented to the district council on November 3rd, followed by a detailed presentation by the district treasurer on November 17th. The budget discussions in the Youth Welfare Committee are scheduled for November 25th and the final decision on the district budget will take place on December 15th in Zweiflingen. These deadlines represent a test for the administration and the district council and underline the urgency of finding a solution for financial support for the educational region.