Future still unclear

No solution for school in Schwarzstraße

It seemed to be on the right track, but now everything is uncertain again. The Catholic elementary school in Schwarzstraße in the city of Salzburg still fears for its future. 

"We thought long and hard about whether to organize a demonstration," says Christoph Sebald. The director of the private elementary school in Salzburg's Schwarzstraße is worried about the future of his school. The school, which is run by the Franciscan order from Vöcklabruck, has been threatened with closure for years. The sisters withdrew, and residential space is to be built on the school site next year instead of classrooms - as reported by the "Krone" newspaper. The hope that a new location in Hellbrunnerstraße with property developer Planquadrat will be found is fading.

A plan B should have been presented before Christmas. This was postponed until January. A green space in the city area is to be rededicated. Mayor Bernhard Auinger and Provincial Councillor Daniela Gutschi are also keen to find a solution. But who will pay for the new school building? And will the archdiocese also take over the sponsorship? They don't want to bear any costs, they say. School enrolments for next year will soon start throughout the country.

Principal Sebald has to wait. And with him the teaching staff and around 240 pupils.