Winterthur Education System Faces Leadership Crisis with Sixth Head of Education Departure
The ongoing instability within Winterthur’s education administration has deepened with the announcement of another key resignation, raising questions about the effectiveness of recent reorganization efforts.
Winterthur is grappling with a persistent leadership vacuum in its education sector. Manuel Rehmann, head of the northern education team, will step down from his position on June 30, 2026, marking the sixth departure of a head of education in just three and a half years. The announcement underscores a troubling pattern of turnover since the implementation of a major reorganization aimed at streamlining school administration.
Rehmann, who assumed his role on November 1, 2024, will be emigrating to Latin America with his family to pursue a new professional opportunity. His responsibilities encompassed the schools in Oberwinterthur, Hegi, and Neuhegi. This departure is particularly notable as it marks the first time a departing official has publicly disclosed a specific reason for leaving the post. Previously, resignations were attributed to “personal reasons.”
The revolving door at the North Education Team is especially pronounced. Since the creation of the executive position of education management, this team has seen four different leaders – more than any other within the Winterthur school system. In contrast, Christina Monti, head of the Mitte education team overseeing schools in the old town and Mattenbach district, remains the sole original appointee still in her position.
Prior to Rehmann, Mirjam Meili held the position, having taken over from Urs Schrepfer. Schrepfer’s tenure was cut short during the probationary period following the launch of the aforementioned reorganization, which initially focused on central school nursing.
The frequent changes have not gone unnoticed by local officials. School councilor Martina Blum (Greens) acknowledged the disruptions caused by the numerous departures in 2024 and confirmed that adjustments were made to the reorganization in response. While the school administration reports a subsequent stabilization of the situation, evidenced by similar reports from the central school maintenance department, another resignation occurred last year.
The Winterthur school administration expressed regret over Rehmann’s departure, thanking him for his dedication. They have announced plans to publicly advertise the vacant position as soon as possible. The continued instability raises concerns about the long-term impact on students and the overall effectiveness of the Winterthur education system.
