Mission Montessori: Dorfen delegation in the ministry

Created: 11/29/2022, 09:00

By: Timo Aichele

Advice in Munich: Sven Krage, Stephan Weindler, Benno Zierer and Robert Decker (from left) visiting the Ministry of the Environment, where the responsible department of the Ministry of Education is currently located.

© private

The start-up initiative around the association "Learn with joy" is consulting with the Ministry of Education about the planned Montessori school in Dorfen.

A change in concept could be the key to success.

Dorfen

– Efforts to set up a Montessori school in Dorfen continue.

A delegation from Dorfen recently met with representatives of the Ministry of Education and the government of Upper Bavaria.

"We are in good spirits".

reports Stephan Weindler, managing director of “Learn with joy”.

It was only in the summer that the club suffered a defeat for its project.

The government of Upper Bavaria had refused the school supervisory approval (we reported).

For the school year that starts in September, the train has therefore left, Weindler also admits.

The goal is now to start a year later

The representatives of the Ministry of Culture, headed by Ministerialdirigent Walter Gremm, explained the reasons for the rejection in a personal conversation and showed a way how the project could still be realized with a new application, reports Weindler.

The submitted concept contained a practical orientation.

Literally obvious, because the Montessori school, like the daycare center of the association, is to be built on the former Meindl site, the future district with the working title "Timber Town".

A number of companies are located in the vicinity, such as "Timber Homes", the production of wooden module houses.

It is Robert Decker's company who, in cooperation with the city, wants to develop the former brickworks site into a new living and working quarter.

The decisive factor in the concept is a “particular pedagogical interest”, citing Weindler from the laws governing the founding of schools.

“Learn with joy” would have considered this to be fulfilled with the concept.

However, this term is not clearly defined and is subject to subjective assessment by the competent authorities, says the Montessori founder.

"One shouldn't be too innovative either," says Weindler.

That was his impression after the meeting with the ministry representatives.

The date was scheduled on the initiative of the 3rd mayor Sven Krage and with the support of the member of the state parliament Benno Zierer (both free voters).

The basis of the conversation was that this project was rejected and the reasons behind it.

"The representatives of the ministry and the government were very open to the start-up project," reports Weindler. The enrichment of the educational offer through a Montessori school was particularly emphasized.

Krage confirmed that there is already a need for a private school in Dorfen and the surrounding area and that it will become increasingly important in the future.