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Cost explosion at Geislingen high schools: Ceffalia warns of crisis!
Mayor Ceffalia warns of the high costs of merging high schools in Geislingen an der Steige, which could endanger the city.
Cost explosion at Geislingen high schools: Ceffalia warns of crisis!
In Geislingen, the news about the planned merger of the two high schools, the Helfenstein-Gymnasium and the Michelberg-Gymnasium, is causing excitement. Mayor Ignazio Ceffalia, who acts as a non-party, made it clear in a letter to the public that the costs for this project are now significantly higher than originally planned. Instead of the targeted 51.4 million euros, costs are now expected to be around 64 million euros. This development could put the city's financial ability to act to the test, warns Ceffalia. He therefore sought discussions with the Stuttgart regional council and the Ministry of Culture in order to find solutions.
The local council originally decided in 2023 to merge the two schools. The focus is on a new building at the location of the Helfenstein-Gymnasium and the renovation of the Michelberg-Gymnasium. However, this renovation has been going on for over a decade and is suffering from significant deficiencies, such as the facade, technical systems and fire protection. Despite many demonstrations by students and parents who were vehemently committed to preserving the school, the renovation was rejected. The state initially promised financial support, but did not step in and a petition in the state parliament failed.
Consequences for the region
The uncertainty about the future of high schools in Geislingen has far-reaching effects on the entire school landscape in the region. Many students from surrounding communities commute to Geislingen every day, and a decline in school could pose significant challenges for them. The local council has now decided to abandon the renovation of the Michelberg-Gymnasium and to press ahead with the merger.
Ceffalia emphasizes that continuing the renovation work could potentially jeopardize the ability of the city's budget to be approved. These statements show how urgent the situation is and how important it is that everyone involved pulls together to find a solution.
At a time when education is the key to the future, all those involved in Geislingen are faced with the challenge of achieving the best for the students and the entire community. The next steps will show whether the city can emerge from this crisis or whether it will have to deal with an uncertain school future. Further information and developments are expected and citizens are asked to follow the discussion and decisions closely.