"Today is a special day for the Paul Aldinger School, for the school kindergarten and for the entire district," emphasized District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier in his speech. "With today's excavation, we are officially giving the go-ahead for the extension, which will create urgently needed new rooms. This is an important step for the education and support of our pupils with special needs."
The extension is a response to the continuous increase in pupil numbers at the Paul-Aldinger-Schule. The new rooms will meet the needs of the pupils. The extension includes four classrooms, two group and therapy rooms, a movement and multifunctional room, a teaching kitchen as well as differentiation and consultation rooms. Completion is planned for September 2026.
Mayor Thomas Winterhalter emphasized the importance of the construction project for the town of Steinheim: "With this extension, we are not only investing in modern learning and living spaces, but also in the future of our children. It will further strengthen Steinheim as an educational location. I am particularly pleased that the school kindergarten will also benefit from this extension - with its own entrance area and a multifunctional room."
New opportunities for individual support
Principal Nico Safai was also visibly delighted with the start of construction: "The extension is not just a structural measure, but a clear commitment to the individual support of our pupils. The new rooms offer us the opportunity to respond even more specifically to the different needs and implement modern educational concepts."
In addition to creating new educational spaces, the construction project also sets standards in terms of sustainability. The building will be equipped with a green roof and a photovoltaic system. There are plans to convert the existing gas heating system to a heat pump at a later date.
Start of construction as a result of careful planning
The start of construction today is the result of a long and careful planning process. Back in October 2023, the district council approved the expansion in principle and in July 2024 approved the draft planning with a cost volume of 4.37 million euros. Following the symbolic excavator bite, a small reception with snacks was held before the Culture, Schools and Europe Committee convened for its meeting at the Paul Aldinger School. The committee discussed and unanimously approved the commissioning of the shell construction work at the Paul Aldinger School.
