On the ORF programme “Bürgeranwalt” on 6 June 2026, Ombudsperson Christoph Luisser and representatives of the parents’ association spoke out against the impending closure of the Styrian music primary school in Retznei. This followed a request by the mayor of Ehrenhausen, Johannes Zweytick, to the Styrian Education Authority to close the school shortly before the start of the summer holidays. Around 60 children would be affected. After all, Retznei Primary School is a major primary school in the local area.
To make matters worse, from the perspective of those affected, no well-founded plans regarding the future of the pupils and staff have been presented. Nor have any viable alternatives been put forward. The importance of the school and the need to preserve it are underlined by the State Prize for Innovative Schools that it has been awarded. As a school specialising in music education, it is regarded as a pioneer in the region and is very popular with the local population.
“The municipality’s approach is not in compliance with the law. Under the Compulsory School Maintenance Act, there is an obligation to consult parents and teachers, which has not been the case to date,” said Ombudsperson Luisser. “The lack of transparent plans is leaving the children, their parents and staff in the lurch.”
Clarity and transparency are the order of the day
Although the mayor and the municipal council – which voted in favour of the closure by a narrow majority – clearly regard the closure of the school as a done deal, the final decision rests with the Education Authority. In any case, an official decision on the application cannot be made until it has been received in full.
“The lack of a space utilisation plan and the municipality’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue place an unacceptable burden on everyone involved, particularly teachers, pupils and parents,” adds Ombudsperson Luisser. “A workable solution must be found as quickly as possible, before the start of the school year, which does not disadvantage those involved, ensures the necessary space is available for the future and maintains the quality of education in the region.”
