Substantive approval for special-purpose grants for the expansion of all-day school types for maintainers of Viennese private schools with public rights for the 2023/24 school year
Vienna (OTS/RK) – StR Karl Mahrer (ÖVP) said that the four-party proposal to establish a Recognized European School (AES) in Vienna was a very special school project. The idea and initiative came from the Vienna People’s Party, said Mahrer. The ÖVP is for Europe, but not without criticism. Because if Europe is to be further developed, then the status quo of Europe must also be changed. The “important international city of Vienna” should pursue the goal of ensuring that important international institutions find their headquarters in Vienna. Because more international companies would bring economic growth to Vienna, secure jobs and thus represent a benefit for Vienna. A key motive of international staff for the decision to move the center of life to Vienna is a good school place for the children. The EAS was originally intended as an educational institution for children of employees in European institutions, with identical curricula for all schools. “A school like this also promotes the students’ European awareness. And the school leaving certificate legitimizes studying in all European countries, but also in other countries,” said Mahrer. With the Recognized European School model, Vienna will become more attractive for international institutions and companies, said Mahrer. His party has made intensive efforts to establish the school in recent months, and he is happy to have found partners for its implementation in the federal government and the other supporting parties in the Vienna City Council. “With this decision, we are sending a signal that, despite different opinions between the factions, it is only possible to overcome the challenges of our time together. Let’s set an example for a common Europe, because we are all Europe,” concluded Mahrer.
GRin Mag. Nicole Berger-Krotsch (SPÖ) said that, based on the agreements between the federal and state governments, the grants should be used to further expand all-day care in private schools. It is high on their political agenda that the “attractive” school location of Vienna is further expanded. This includes, for example, the establishment of an HTL, which was recently decided by the local council. High-quality education should be open to everyone in Vienna; the proposal from four parties for the AES shows the common European spirit “that blows through the streets of Vienna”. Innovative teaching and learning methods would be used in the planned AES, and Vienna would thus be further developed into an educational capital.
GRin Mag. Bettina Emmerling, MSc (NEOS) said about the special-purpose grants for the expansion of all-day models for private schools that this represents a “huge benefit” for all children. 900,000 euros would be available for infrastructure measures and personnel, which would primarily benefit the children. Regarding the AES, Emmerling asked, where could there be a better location for such a school than in Vienna? Emmerling said she would particularly like the fact that the qualification is awarded with the European Matura, as well as the concept that the students are taught in their native language. She believes that this offer will not lead to a further shortage of teachers, but rather that this offer will provide motivation for international staff to come to Vienna. Although there are still questions to be clarified about the location and sponsorship, today’s joint decision by four parties is an important sign “of a good cause in a rare unity,” said Emmerling.
Votes: The special-purpose grants for the expansion of all-day school types were unanimously approved. The four-party proposal from SPÖ, ÖVP, Greens and NEOS to establish a Recognized European School (AES) in Vienna was accepted by a majority. The FPÖ’s three proposals: “Comprehensive air filters and ventilation systems in kindergartens and schools”, “Violence in Viennese schools” and “Teachers’ offensive in Vienna” did not find the required majority.
The public part of the 49th meeting of the Vienna City Council ended at 4:29 p.m.
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