CDU opposes OGS schemes for Schildgen's development
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, a significant decision regarding the new construction of the Open Day-Care School (OGS) at the Concordia School in Schildgen is imminent. The School and Building Management Committee is set to make a fundamental decision within the next week.
The controversy surrounding the OGS construction has led to the emergence of a new initiative: the "Kita/OGS Summit." This summit, planned for November 2025, is a response to the CDU's call for a fresh start in communication between the town hall and schools. The joint candidate of CDU and FDP for the mayor of Bergisch Gladbach, Alexander Felsch, has included this summit as part of his 100-day program.
Alexander Felsch's initiatives aim to improve communication and cooperation between the city and schools, addressing concerns raised by the CDU faction about inadequate communication and coordination in the planning process for the OGS. The CDU faction in Bergisch Gladbach's city council has been critical of the administration's plans, claiming that essential impulses from parents and teachers have not been included in the planning process.
The "Kita/OGS Summit" is not just a one-off meeting. It is intended to be a sustainable initiative to improve the care and education of children in Schildgen. The summit is expected to lead to a process of regular quarterly meetings under the leadership of Alexander Felsch, aimed at working out joint solutions for the OGS.
The town hall has organized an extensive participation process for the planning of the OGS, which included workshops at the Concordia School with various stakeholders. However, concerns have been raised that important impulses from these workshops seem to have been largely left out in the town hall plans.
A letter from the headmaster of the community elementary school to the responsible department head in the town hall expresses concerns about the lack of coordination with teaching staff, parents, and students, and the potential worsening of future education and care of the children in Schildgen. Harald Henkel, the Schildgen councilor, has also criticized the inadequate communication between the administration and the school community, including the school management.
Dr. Michael Metten, the faction leader, finds it incomprehensible that the administration ignores important ideas and suggestions and presents a planning that could even worsen the care. The "Kita/OGS Summit" is intended to improve communication between the city, school communities, and parents, with the contributions of the school community considered valuable and indispensable for the development of a modern learning environment.
As the decision on the OGS construction approaches, the "Kita/OGS Summit" offers a promising platform for dialogue and collaboration, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the city, school communities, and parents for the betterment of the children's education and care in Schildgen. The CDU faction plans to ask critical questions of the administration in the responsible committee regarding the OGS new construction, ensuring that the voices of the school community are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
