Good news for the schools in Burgstadt: Despite the crisis, the district is sticking to its extensive renovation program – and is making millions available. The city has a number of plans for schools.
Eppstein -The students and teachers have a hard time these days. The schools have been closed for weeks – and no one can say when regular classes will continue. Then there are the problems with digital teaching. But now there is good news for a change: The budget draft of the Main-Taunus-Kreis for 2021 contains 1,014,300 euros for schools in the urban area of Eppstein. Mayor Alexander Simon and First City Councilor Sabine Bergold (both CDU), who are also treasurer, are satisfied with this.
Despite the slumps caused by the crisis, the district is investing around 53.6 million euros in the school landscape alone this year. Of the almost ten million euros that are earmarked for information technology in schools, part comes from subsidies.
“With the current framework conditions one is well advised to go into debt in order to create educational opportunities”, emphasizes District Administrator Michael Cyriax (CDU) and means the interest burden for long-term municipal loans of 0.1 percent. The district now wants to take advantage of this starting position for important investments. The projects are “financed through”, it is said from the district office in Hofheim. Overall, the Main-Taunus-Kreis has invested a three-digit million amount in schools over the past few decades, according to the estimate. The district can afford it, because it is one of the financially strongest in Germany with the economic engine Eschborn.
New water pipes and drinking water distributors
Despite the pandemic, the district sees no reason to put the brakes on the renovation program for the schools – on the contrary. This is now also benefiting the castle town: A total of 389,500 euros is available for the castle school and 348,500 euros for the Comenius school. With the money, the city has big plans: the two sports halls are to be renovated. 330,000 euros of the total budget of the castle school are used for the modernization of the gym. In the case of the Comeniushalle, the renovation costs 300,000 euros.
It is planned to renew the drinking water installation in the sports halls of both schools. This is out of date and no longer meets the requirements for drinking water hygiene, explains city spokeswoman Monika Rohde-Reith. New lines are now to be laid and shower panels with automatic flushing devices are to be installed. The drinking water distributor will also be replaced. “In addition, the suspended ceilings including the lighting will be renewed, fire barriers will be added and tile, painting and drywall work will be carried out,” said Rohde-Reith. In addition, new door systems will be installed at the athletes’ entrance to the Comeniushalle. The burglary and thermal protection should be improved.
276,300 euros will go to the Freiherr vom Stein School. The funds are urgently needed: the conversion of the heating center alone will probably cost around 80,000 euros. In order to increase the efficiency of the heating system and the combined heat and power unit, new hydraulic pumps are to be installed, which must be integrated into the existing measurement, control and regulation technology.
The ventilation in the Bienrothhalle is being renewed for 60,000 euros. “Due to its age, the building automation can no longer be supplied with spare parts.” Therefore, necessary additions or repairs to the system are no longer possible, explains town hall spokeswoman Rohde-Reith. Julian Dorn
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