Cantonal Council SZ Schwyz parliament approves 44 million for Kanti Ausserschwyz
The Schwyz Cantonal Council has supported the renovation and partial new construction of the Ausserschwyz Cantonal School (KSA) in Nuolen. Parliament approved the deal by 95 votes to 0.
27.06.2024, 16:15
SDA
Although at CHF 44 million the original budget of CHF 25 million will be significantly exceeded, there was no dispute in the cantonal council on Thursday that the modernization and new construction of the KSA in Nuolen is necessary.
A spokesperson for the center spoke of a "correct and sensible investment in education". The KSA project strengthens March as an educational location, according to the debate. This is all the more important as the population in the March district is growing rapidly.
With the planned project, the Nuol site of the KSA will have a comparable standard to the school in Pfäffikon. The open space design and the new gymnasium should also create added value for the local community of Wangen and the local clubs.
The renovated school in Nuolen will not open until the end of 2027 at the earliest if construction work can begin in the winter of 2025/2026. The new school building at the KSA site in Pfäffikon is currently under construction. It is expected to be ready for occupation in mid-2025.
No 2.4 million for the Oechslin library
In contrast to the CHF 44 million for the KSA in Nuolen, the CHF 2.4 million for the Werner Oechslin Library in Einsiedeln was controversial in the Cantonal Council. In the end, the council voted 54 no to 40 yes against annual expenditure of CHF 600,000 for the years 2025-2028 in favor of the collection of books on the history of art and architecture.
In the sometimes emotional debate, there was no doubt that the Oechslin Library is a unique collection of high scientific value and international appeal. This was also the opinion of speakers from the SVP and FDP, who brought down the bill.
An FDP cantonal councillor said that it could not be the canton's job to finance a private collection. Speakers from the SVP explained that the Oechslin Library had no direct benefit for the population. The expenditure of CHF 2.4 million requested by the cantonal government could not be justified to the taxpayers.
Support for the government council's proposal came from the SP and the center. It was about preserving "a unique cultural jewel" and strengthening Schwyz as an educational location, said a spokesperson from the Center Party. However, the supporters remained clearly in the minority. Following the Cantonal Council's no vote, the financing of the Werner Oechslin Library is uncertain.
