Investment needed for two primary schools in Bützow-Land, yet unsure about the funding sources.
In the picturesque town of Warnow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the local administration is grappling with not one, but two significant school-related projects. The primary school in Warnow requires a much-needed renovation, estimated to cost approximately 5.5 million euros. Meanwhile, the future of the new primary school in Bernitt hangs in the balance, with funding still uncertain.
The head of administration in Warnow, Grüschow, has appealed for more support from the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the federal government, particularly in financing school buildings. Grüschow finds the proposed contribution of at least four million euros by the community of Warnow for the renovation of the primary school in Warnow to be a heavy burden, considering the town's relatively small population of 150 to 650 inhabitants.
The renovation of the primary school in Warnow is scheduled to start in the fall of 2025. In the interim, the community will have to make do with temporary arrangements, such as the temporary move to the building of the neighboring kindergarten and drainage works, which will cost around 700,000 euros.
The current primary school building in Bernitt is outdated and has reached its capacity limits. If all costs are included, the funding rate for the new primary school in Bernitt is likely to be below 40%. The completion of the replacement new building, "Primary School Bernitt," is planned for approximately three years from now, at an estimated cost of 11 million euros.
As a temporary solution, the sports building at the adjacent sports field in Bernitt will be converted to provide more space for after-school care, to be used for approximately three years. The existing after-school care rooms in the current primary school building in Bernitt are insufficient to meet the demand for reliable afternoon care.
The number of children in the primary school area in Bernitt is continuously increasing, which further emphasises the need for a new school building. Grüschow hopes that the money promised with the special assets will, in the next ten years, also be allocated to educational institutions such as schools and kindergartens.
Potential solutions to secure necessary funds could include applying for additional state or federal grants focused on education infrastructure, engaging public-private partnerships or sponsorship from local businesses, community fundraising initiatives, leveraging EU regional development funds if eligible, phased construction or cost optimization to match available funds, and lobbying for increased budget allocations based on projected demographic growth and educational needs.
For the most current and detailed insights into the funding status of the Bernitt primary school, contacting the Bernitt municipal authority or the local education department may be beneficial.
The head of administration in Warnow, Grüschow, is seeking support from the state and federal governments not only for the primary school renovation but also for the financing of school buildings, a concern extended to the new primary school in Bernitt. In an attempt to address the increasing number of children in Bernitt, potential solutions to secure necessary funds include applying for grants, engaging public-private partnerships, community fundraising, leveraging European Union funds, phased construction, and lobbying for increased budget allocations in education and self-development sectors.
