Parents in Brandenburg push for more staff at schools - Brandenburg's schools struggle as inclusion debates clash with tight budgets
Brandenburg's education system faces growing challenges as debates over inclusive schooling intensify. With the recent collapse of the SPD/BSW coalition, the SPD and CDU are now in talks to form a new government—but tight budgets leave little room for major reforms. Meanwhile, parents, teachers, and political groups clash over how best to support students with special needs alongside their peers.
Over the past five years, Brandenburg has increased school funding, but the rise remains modest compared to wealthier states like Bavaria or Hesse. Since 2022, the number of special-needs teachers grew by 15%, and €50 million was allocated annually for violence prevention from 2024. Yet per-pupil spending still lags behind the national average, at around €8,200 compared to €9,500 nationwide in 2025.
The State Parents' Council warns that inclusion is at a standstill. Chair Matthias Knoll stresses the need for more staff—not just teachers, but also social workers and psychologists—to help all students, including gifted children and those with special needs. The council also calls for stronger support in upper secondary and comprehensive schools, as well as measures to tackle rising extremism and violence.
Political divisions deepen the debate. The Left Party insists that children with disabilities have the same right to education as others. Juliana Meyer, co-leader of the Greens, argues that the issue isn't the students but a lack of resources. In contrast, the far-right AfD claims that mixing high-achieving pupils with those who have special needs harms both groups. Despite these tensions, the 2025–2026 budget cut teaching positions, even as schools continue hiring educators to fill gaps.
As negotiations for a new government continue, Brandenburg's schools remain under pressure. The demand for more staff and better funding persists, while political disagreements slow progress. Without significant changes, the system's ability to support inclusive education—and address broader challenges like violence—stays uncertain.
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