Hamburg, August 21 – The Hamburg school authority plans to freeze the creation of new teacher positions until the end of 2028, a decision driven by ongoing budget cuts. This measure was a central point of discussion during the Bürgerschaft’s school committee meeting on Thursday evening, August 20, 2026. Despite the freeze on teaching staff, the authority aims to expand social work at elementary schools.
No New Teacher Positions Until 2028
A senior official stated during the committee meeting that the planned budget for 2027 and 2028 includes “practically no new positions” for teachers. This is attributed to the need for austerity measures. Additionally, nearly 250 teacher positions in the afternoon programs of full-day elementary schools are set to be eliminated by next year, as announced by School Senator Ksenija Bekeris (SPD). These roles will be taken over by approximately 370 educators.
Teacher Training to be Reduced
Senator Bekeris also indicated that the training of new teachers would be scaled back, with about 45 fewer teachers in preparatory service per semester. She added that those who complete their studies would be “supported” in finding employment in other federal states, where there is a greater demand. “Very concrete discussions” are already underway with neighboring states to facilitate this transition.
Expansion of Social Work at Elementary Schools
In contrast to the cuts in teaching staff, Hamburg plans to create new positions in social work at elementary schools. The authority intends to add 81 new social worker positions over the next two years. However, these plans are contingent on the Bürgerschaft’s approval of the budget.
Cuts Deemed Unavoidable Due to Budget Situation
Bekeris emphasized that the current budgetary situation makes cuts unavoidable, but stressed that her authority intends to implement them strategically. She assured that critical areas such as language promotion, learning holidays, and other support services would remain unaffected by these austerity measures.
Criticism of Planned Savings Ahead of School Year
The “difficult budgetary situation” is expected to lead to larger class sizes, fewer substitute teachers, and reductions in school support services. The new school year begins this week in Hamburg, with the city experiencing its highest student numbers in 45 years. Despite an increase in teaching staff, future cost-cutting measures will result in larger classes.
Uncertainty for Families Regarding School Support
As the new school year commences, many families remain uncertain about whether their children will receive necessary support services due to the planned cuts. This uncertainty has raised concerns among parents and guardians.
Additional News from Hamburg
In other news from Hamburg, the police are planning to replace their “Libelle 1” and “Libelle 2” helicopters with a city-wide drone network, featuring drone stations on police station rooftops. The mounted police unit is also set to be disbanded by the end of 2027, with its ten riders to be reassigned to other departments.
Emergency services were heavily deployed at the Elbphilharmonie on Thursday morning following reports of food poisoning among more than 40 extras who complained of discomfort. Furthermore, Hamburg has seen a significant increase in e-scooter accidents involving children, with 113 incidents involving children under 14 years old reported this year. Police have issued warnings and safety tips.
The H2-Connector hydrogen plant in Moorburg is also taking shape, marking progress in Hamburg’s sustainable energy initiatives.
