52,000 euros for schools: District responds to cleaning problems!

52,000 euros for schools: District responds to cleaning problems!

In a remarkable initiative, the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district has decided to distribute an additional 52,000 euros to the schools in the area. This decision was made unanimously by District Administrator Peggy Greiser and the parliamentary group leaders of all district council factions, including Birgit Noll (AfD), Ralf Liebaug (CDU) and Christoph Zimmermann (SPD). The allocations are intended to benefit schools that faced significant cleaning issues at the start of the year. These difficulties were the focus because they were based on problems in the awarding of cleaning services and led to poor cleanliness, as rhoenkanal.de reports.

“It is important to us to support the affected schools in Grabfeld, Meiningen and Schmalkalden,” explained the district administrator. The funds that are finally available, which vary between 400 and 5,500 euros per school, will be used for school purchases, smaller investments and teaching materials. The grant is provided from the school budget and is expected to be spent by the end of the year.

Background to the cleaning problem

The difficulties in cleaning schools are not an isolated case. The district office is already working on solutions to improve the current situation. In the summer of 2024, cleaning services for district-owned buildings were re-tendered across Europe. This measure was necessary because the procurement law does not allow extensions of existing contracts. The Wackler Service Group was awarded the contract for three lots (Meiningen, Schmalkalden, Grabfeld/Meiningen). But the award was difficult and was affected by legal objections from a losing bidder. This led to the need for an interim award, which has now been in effect since January 2025, to ensure basic services.

Many schools are currently struggling with quality-related cleaning problems that have arisen due to the short-term awarding of orders and shortages of personnel and materials. Wackler had to rely on additional warehouses from other regions to maintain cleaning. The company is faced with similar challenges not only in the schools, but also in the administrative buildings. The district administrator asks for your understanding and patience while we work on quick and sustainable solutions.

The role of cleaning companies

Cleaning companies are responsible for carrying out cleaning work in schools, which is coordinated with a fixed cleaning schedule. Common tasks include cleaning windows, cupboards and tables, although this is not done every day but according to a set rhythm. Cleaning methods and schedules will be determined in consultation with schools to meet specific needs, as well as on the platform Mr. Cleaner is explained.

Given the current situation, it is essential that schools and cleaning companies work closely together. When choosing a cleaning company, particular attention should be paid to the wide range of services on offer in order to take special requirements into account. The situation also highlights the importance of conscientious and professional handling of cleaning services to ensure a good learning environment. In the coming weeks, the district office will continue to hold discussions with Wackler in order to further improve the quality of the cleaning services.

One thing is clear: it is time to build trust and take responsibility for cleanliness in schools seriously - because the future of our children is at stake here.