Return of full secondary education in Kerkrade final: green light for The Martin Buber
Today the Municipality of Kerkrade received the positive news from The Hague. Education Minister Dennis Wiersma gives the green light for The Martin Buber. This fulfills a long-cherished wish of Kerkrade. The wish began in October 2019 with a motion by the municipal council for full secondary education in Kerkrade. This motion was unanimously supported by the political groups.
Alderman Jo Schlangen (Education): 'We have come a long way with trial and error. With one goal in mind: making sure The Martin Buber is a reality. I am extremely proud that we have taken another big step. We will continue working towards the opening of Het Martin Buber in August 2024!'
Much support from the Kerkrade community for The Martin Buber
With the law "More Room for New Schools" there came the possibility to establish a school with government help. This required demonstrable support from Kerkrade society. In 2021, the first application for The Martin Buber was submitted. The support from out of Kerkrade proved unprecedented, the required parental statements were amply achieved. Very disappointing was the rejection that followed in May 2022. Virtue requirement D1 citizenship education proved to be the stumbling block.
Second application successful!
Municipality of Kerkrade did not leave it at that, a second application was submitted in 2022. Educational plans on the citizenship education component were made more concrete. A second registration of interest was started. The support of Kerkrade's parents proved undiminished and the required number of parental declarations was again amply met. And after the positive opinion of the Inspectorate of Education, the Minister of Education now also gives his approval.
Opening in August 2024
With the minister's green light, The Martin Buber is entering the next phase. Everything is set to open the doors of the new school in August 2024.
Mayor Petra Dassen: "We are already looking forward to that first day of school in August 2024. Wonderful to see the excitement of students in our city, who will really experience what they are learning together. I am grateful for the commitment of the city council, residents and all our partners. We have achieved this together and we can all be proud of it. Quality secondary education belongs in Kerkrade!
A unique educational concept
The Martin Buber will soon offer innovative secondary education for mavo, havo and vwo. The intention is that the school will occupy an important place in Kerkrade. A place where all children have the opportunity to grow up to become independent young people who want to contribute to society with their heads, hearts and hands.
The new school in the city
The Martin Buber will start in a temporary location. This location will be announced on The Day of The Martin Buber on June 10, 2023.
Studies for a permanent site are progressing well. This site is expected to take 3.5 years to complete.
Start of teachers
In August 2023 some teachers will start working on the school plan and organizing the "Experience what you learn" routes. They will do this visibly in town, where there will be space for personal contact at set times. Parents will have the opportunity to receive more information and advice by appointment.
Learn more
The Day of The Martin Buber
On June 10, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., everyone is welcome at the Hub. in Kerkrade. From young to old. You can drop by any time of the day. Would you like more information about education? Then you can sign up for one of the three information sessions. Click here for more info
In conversation with The Martin Buber in the districts
The core team of teachers is gearing up to meet parents and students, and to start preparations together. They are doing this at four information evenings in the different districts. These evenings are for parents of students in grades 6 and 7. To attend one of these information sessions, you can register here.