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A solution for continued existence is sought
Given the current financial and legal circumstances, the town of Groß-Gerau is forced to make crucial decisions regarding the future of its municipal music school. As Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau emphasizes, this is one of the most difficult decisions in recent years: “We perceive the situation as very distressing and deeply regret the consequences. Nevertheless, I assure you that we will do everything in our power to preserve the music school and, consequently, the cultural diversity of Groß-Gerau.”
Impact of the “Herrenberg ruling”
The situation is further complicated by the "Herrenberg ruling" of 2022, which mandates that music schools employ their teachers on a permanent basis. Until now, the instructors at the Groß-Gerau municipal music school have worked as freelancers. "However, converting them to permanent positions requires posts in the municipal staffing plan, which in turn is part of an approved budget. Since this budget is lacking for 2025, continuing to employ the music school teachers in their current form after April 1, 2025, is not possible," explains Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau.
Provisional budget management restricts the ability to act
Currently, the city of Groß-Gerau has neither an adopted nor an approved budget for 2025. This means that the city is operating under a provisional budget. According to the Hessian Municipal Code (§ 99 para. 1 no. 1 HGO), only legally mandated tasks and unavoidable expenditures may be carried out during this phase. This has direct implications for the music school and its operation.
Contractual terminations unavoidable
Against this background, the city must terminate the existing contracts with the students of the music school as a precautionary measure, effective March 31, 2025. The only exceptions are the existing cooperation agreements with schools, which will continue until the end of their respective contract terms.
Commitment to the continued existence of the music school
Despite the current challenges, the city is working intensively to find a solution for the continued existence of the music school. "Our priority is to maintain the music school with its diverse offerings. We are supporting the teachers' efforts in the best possible way, especially through our full-time music school staff," the mayor continued. Initial ideas for a possible continuation of the music school's operations were already developed at a recent teachers' conference
The city administration, the music school management, and the budget committee are working intensively to present a budget that can be adopted and approved. The goal is to restore the city's ability to act and to preserve the cultural diversity of Groß-Gerau
"We hope that we will be able to resume regular lessons at the music school in the future and thank everyone involved for their understanding and patience," was the mayor's concluding appeal. The city of Groß-Gerau will continue to keep its citizens informed of all developments.
(Gross-Gerau-PSGG)
