In recent years there have been too many instances of government not being ready for its citizens. But I also see more and more instances of government not being ready for its own government either.

This week, a school board friend came to me asking if I would consider the following: Imagine being the principal of an elementary school, living in 2021 in a beautiful old school building from 1905, but still lacking proper ventilation. In Corona times, this is suddenly a hot issue. Fortunately, this school is first on the IHP list within the municipality to receive about 2 million euros for renovation and preservation by 2027.

To make a long story short, however, the municipality was not willing to bring forward the financing, despite the BNG's idea of offering an IHP bridging facility.

The responsible management and the supervisory board did not allow themselves to be discouraged and found room within the budget to advance the replacement of the old ventilation systems. Thus it happened. 

However, during the installation work, the school receives a letter in which the municipality first threatens to stop the work because conditions/regulations are not met. What conditions/regulations, after all it is about replacing ventilation systems? Then, after several months, an "invoice" arrives at the school to pay €25,000 in fees. After all, dues are actually fees for municipal services. What service, you wonder. In no way have the officials, city council, and B&W really helped to solve the problem for the school. On the contrary. In addition, replacing a ventilation system does not require a building permit at all.

An objection is filed. And 1.5 years later, the objection is declared unfounded and the school still has to pay the fees including interest.

The school board will not be put off and will once again enter into discussions with the municipality and its officials to bring forward IHP funds for sustainability. There is a need to accelerate the purchase of heat pumps to get rid of gas. But according to the municipality, the school can put this out of its mind, as the school now seems to have landed at the bottom of the IHP list, having saved 50% energy with the new climate control system in addition to a healthy indoor climate. There is no more urgency. 

In addition to the above example, I see major differences between municipalities. Where, for example, the municipality of Rotterdam energetically facilitates its school boards to make buildings sustainable quickly and efficiently, most municipalities do not respond when you, as a school board, ask for a contribution for something you simply have a right to: a safe, healthy and sustainable school building. We don't want to send children home again in the event of the next pandemic, do we?

Therefore, the following trial balloon: why don't we join forces and start a careful procedure on the ground (test case) to determine the extent to which school boards can force municipalities to facilitate a safe and sustainable school building within a reasonable period of time? There should then be a blueprint that allows school boards to take advantage of it according to an efficient process.

Anyone who has experience or has an opinion about the above or thinks they can contribute, I ask that they send me an email.