Summary

The Aargau cantonal parliament decided in 2024 to build two new cantonal schools in Lenzburg and Windisch – with space for up to 88 additional classrooms. However, new federal figures show: student numbers are declining nationwide, in Aargau by 1–2% by 2034. The government is now reviewing whether the expensive new buildings are necessary at all. Several parties are calling for a reassessment before construction continues.

People

Topics

  • Educational planning & demographics
  • Student number forecasts
  • Infrastructure investments
  • Parliamentary initiative

Clarus Lead

Aargau faces an educational policy dilemma: the cantonal parliament approved two new cantonal schools in 2024 based on projected student growth. However, the federal government published corrected figures in autumn 2025 showing that Switzerland must prepare for declining birth rates. In Aargau, a decline of 1–2% in primary school by 2034 is expected – a dramatic difference from earlier projections. Michael Umbricht, secretary general of the Education Department, confirms: the trend of the new figures shows that later or fewer classes might be necessary. Parties from left to right are already working on an initiative to compel the government to recalculate.

Detailed Summary

The current situation reveals a classic planning risk in the public sector. In 2024, the Aargau cantonal parliament decided on the two new buildings with a total of up to 88 additional classrooms for approximately 2,000 students – based on federal projections at the time. These assumed growth. Now, new federal figures from autumn 2025 paint the opposite picture: student numbers are declining nationwide by up to 10%, in Aargau more moderately by 1–2%.

The paradox: primary schools face overcapacity, while the cantonal schools (gymnasiums) are expected to grow by almost a third by 2050 according to current projections – yet this projection is based on already outdated figures. Aargau's cantonal schools are currently full to overflowing, and additional space is urgently needed. However, it remains unclear whether two entirely new buildings are the right approach, or whether renovations and extensions of existing schools would suffice.

Colette Basler, SP district councilor and president of the Education Association Aargau, summarizes the discontent: "Soon the first small cohorts will arrive. One wonders whether expansion on this scale is really necessary." An interfactional initiative is intended to force the government to carefully recalculate the new figures and provide a well-founded recommendation.

Key Statements

  • Student numbers declining: The federal government revised projections downward; Aargau expects a decline of 1–2% in compulsory education by 2034.
  • Investment risk: Two planned cantonal schools with up to 88 additional classes were approved in 2024 based on older figures.
  • Parliamentary resistance: Parties across factional lines are calling for a reassessment before construction begins.

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: How reliable are the new federal projections through 2050, and what error margins do they account for? Are they based on current migration trends?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: Which actors (construction planners, architects, municipalities) benefit economically from the new buildings, regardless of actual demand?

  3. Alternative Scenarios: Were renovations and expansions of existing schools seriously calculated as a less expensive option, or was new construction the preferred scenario?

  4. Implementation Risks: If the new buildings are constructed and student numbers continue to decline – who bears the costs of unused infrastructure (maintenance and operating costs)?

  5. Timeline: Why was the construction decision made in 2024 without waiting for the announced federal figures (autumn 2025)?

  6. Regional Differences: Aargau expects only 1–2% decline, while other cantons expect up to 10%. Are the Aargau forecasts robust against migration between cantons?

Other News

  • Tomasini Cultural Center (Lenzburg): The city council wants to renovate the building and is establishing a foundation for this purpose. Planned investment: 3 million francs (city) + 0.5 million (interest-free loan) + 1.5 million (Swissloos fund). Ballot in March.

  • Winter Olympic Games (Italy): Aargau monobob pilot Melanie Hasler finishes in 5th place – third Olympic diploma. Two-person bobsleigh to follow the next day.

  • Women's Curling (Olympics): Girling Club Aarau wins 10:6 against Great Britain, sits in 2nd place in preliminary round. Today's game against South Korea.

Sources

Primary Source: Regionaljournal Aargau-Solothurn (SRF) – 17.02.2026 Audio Report

Verification Status: ✓ 17.02.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 17.02.2026