Court ruled that it neglected its duties as outlined in Article 85 (1) of the Treaty, under the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance.

In a recent ruling, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has declared the regulation regarding the advance hour (VGS) for teachers in Saxony-Anhalt to be invalid. Education Minister Jan Riedel, however, has expressed confidence that the gap created by the abolition of the advance hour can be covered through alternative means.

The Ministry of Education has highlighted the additional hour as a central option for teachers to continue teaching. This extra hour can be remunerated promptly, not just after the end of a school year, providing schools with immediate flexibility. Every additional hour or additional time will be fully recorded, accounted for, and either paid out or credited to the time account in the future.

Riedel thanked school principals and teachers for their sense of responsibility and loyalty, emphasising that no hour is lost and that classes will not be cancelled. Up to four additional hours are possible, allowing schools to react flexibly to their respective situation. The necessary budget for the additional hours has been planned.

Teachers can now teach the previous advance hour as an additional hour, with the same remuneration, providing full planning security. The Ministry of Education acknowledges the decision with regret but also with respect for the judiciary.

School principals and staff will be informed promptly about the organization of additional hours and further regulations. The Ministry of Education is examining the hints of the Federal Administrative Court regarding the amendment of the State Civil Service Act, with the legal amendment becoming effective at the earliest in spring 2026.

The responsible party for reviewing and carrying out the necessary legal steps to close the gap caused by the abolition of the VGS is typically the relevant government ministry or legal authority in charge of regulatory compliance and law enforcement.

Riedel stated that the advance hour has served the state well, generating around 12,000 additional teaching hours. He has asked school principals and staff to resort to the legally possible solutions to ensure teaching still takes place. The press conference can be followed on YouTube.

Court ruled that it neglected its duties as outlined in Article 85 (1) of the Treaty, under the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance.