This morning, Mayor Shmuel Greenberg hosted Education Minister MK Yoav Kisch in Beit Shemesh. They met in the mayor's office with city officials, together with senior representatives from the Education Ministry. 

Mayor Greenberg briefed Minister Kisch on recent developments here, the expected growth in the coming years, and the main issues and challenges facing the city. Beit Shemesh currently has 180,015 residents, with 52,935 students in the city's education system. The mayor noted that the education sector in the city is expected to grow by 15% in the next school year.

According to city data, the population is expected to grow by 8% annually and reach a quarter of a million residents by 2029. Additionally, Greenberg noted that 52% of Beit Shemesh's population is under 18, and on average, 155 babies are born each week in the city. Beit Shemesh is currently the 12th largest city in Israel.

During the discussion, Mayor Greenberg explained that due to the war, the shortage of workers and building materials, the Municipality needs to find solutions for about 200 classrooms at a cost of tens of millions of shekels. Furthermore, the construction of classrooms in the city involves unique issues such as removing excess soil, dealing with slopes, graves, and antiquities. The mayor also raised issues related to daycare centers, funding for educational programs, and more.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch said "The entire State of Israel and the city of Beit Shemesh are facing significant and complex challenges due to the ongoing conflict imposed upon us. Additionally, Beit Shemesh is undergoing a 'growth spurt' reflected in its exceptional growth and development - an encouraging sign! I was pleased to visit the city and meet with Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and his team.  I want to make it clear, the Education Ministry will continue to do everything possible to assist with finance, infrastructure, social and pedagogical support for the city and its residents. The city has an excellent team - we will work together and succeed!"

Mayor Greenberg responded "I want to thank Education Minister Yoav Kisch for his visit to the city, for his commitment to the issues we presented, and for his willingness to assist the city. The Beit Shemesh Municipality under my leadership is fully focused on the opening of the coming school year, ensuring a smooth start, providing creative solutions, and addressing the enormous challenges we face with education. I am pleased with the minister’s recognition of the growth rate and unique development of Beit Shemesh and the need for the State to mobilize to help us meet this task. Working together we will fulfill our mission and do everything to ensure that the school year begins in the best possible way. As I told the minister, the day after the school year starts, we will begin preparing for the next year. Beit Shemesh has waited a long time for professional, forward-looking management that can plan ahead, and this is the standard we will bring to the city."

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