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Students to clean: Dispute over the Gmünder cleanliness plan!
Mayor Richard Arnold of Schwäbisch Gmünd suggests using students to clean schools in order to reduce costs and promote a sense of responsibility. This triggers widespread discussion and criticism.
Students to clean: Dispute over the Gmünder cleanliness plan!
In Schwäbisch Gmünd, a suggestion from Mayor Richard Arnold is causing heated discussions: He suggests that students in schools help with cleaning. This proposal will not only help keep classrooms clean, but will also benefit the community financially. The city spends around 4.5 million euros a year on cleaning schools, daycare centers and other public buildings, which is a pressing issue given the municipalities' ongoing financial problems, says Arnold, who has been in office since 2009. He points out that in the past, students regularly took on small tasks such as cleaning the blackboard or sweeping the floor, for example on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, reactions to Arnold's suggestion have been mixed. A widespread discussion about the idea quickly erupted, with parents, students and even unions voicing their concerns. Critics ask what is meant by “easy tasks” and what happens if students do something wrong while cleaning. There is also the opinion that students should primarily learn at school instead of being held responsible for cleanliness. Some parents reported being surprised that other families had similar school cleanliness issues, which could indicate a larger structural problem.
International perspectives and role models
Arnold points to international examples, including Japan, where it is common for students to help clean as a way to learn respect for those around them. A UNESCO video circulating on social media shows students dancing while cleaning, further fueling the debate. Similarly, Ng Chee Meng, Singapore's former education minister, made a proposal to reintegrate student work into schools in 2016, which is now part of his term as minister under the Prime Minister.
On the other hand, student representatives and the Baden-Württemberg State Student Advisory Council expressed sharp criticism of Arnold's proposal. They describe it as “nonsense” and argue that the potential for savings is low in reality. The school day is already tightly scheduled, and breaks should be for relaxation, not cleaning. Additionally, implementing the proposal could mean cutting class time and keeping students busy after class, potentially preventing them from reaching their buses.
Overall, it remains to be seen how the discussion will develop further. The pressure on municipalities is increasing, and the question of how schools can be financially relieved will probably continue to play a decisive role in the future. While some see the proposal as an innovative solution, others emphasize the risks associated with transferring responsibility to students.