Regenstauf elementary school visits town hall: insights into the community!

Regenstauf elementary school visits town hall: insights into the community!

The fourth grades of the Regenstauf elementary school visited the town hall at the beginning of October 2025. This excursion was organized by Mayor Josef Schindler, who warmly welcomed the children in the large meeting room. Schindler, a metalworker who was elected mayor two years ago with 60% of the vote, is 45 years old and the father of two children. He informed the students about the community of Regenstauf, which has more than 16,000 inhabitants and is considered the largest community in the Regensburg district.

During the visit, the group of students gained insights into the various tasks of the municipality. They learned that Regenstauf consists of 87 districts and hamlets and what municipal tasks and voluntary services the community fulfills. The essential facilities and tasks include road construction, water pipes, schools, fire departments, kindergartens, sports facilities and a retirement home. The financial resources that come from tax money, allocations and fees were also discussed.

Insights into the way municipalities work

After an informative lecture in the meeting room, the students were allowed to explore the town hall. What was particularly impressive for the children was the tour of the mayor's office, which was the highlight of the visit. The presentation also included important facilities such as the recycling center, the building yard and the waterworks.

Mayor Schindler not only answered the students' questions, but also explained the leisure activities that Regenstauf has to offer. These include numerous hiking and cycling trails, two skating facilities and several playgrounds. There are also cultural and multi-generational houses with youth clubs and 138 different clubs that shape community life in the community.

Importance of local democracy

A visit to the Regenstauf elementary school in the town hall is not only an educational experience for the students, but also an important contribution to local democracy. According to the German Association of Cities, the involvement of citizens in local decisions is at the core of self-government. As central places for political participation, municipalities offer instruments for citizen participation and shaping local democracy. However, this participation does not end at the school door. It includes various options such as citizens' and residents' meetings as well as the possibility of submitting citizens' applications.

The challenge for local democracy is to actively involve citizens and keep them engaged, even as social structures and political culture change. The students' visit to the town hall represents a first step in teaching young people the importance of community engagement and participation.