Occitanie region addresses high school issues

The Occitanie region is dealing with widespread protests in high schools and the deterioration of many educational institutions. Recent demonstrations have highlighted concerns among students and staff, prompting regional leaders to reaffirm their commitment to addressing these issues.

Regional leaders reaffirm support

Regional officials from the Gard department, including Jean-Luc Gibelin and others, expressed their solidarity with high school students during a meeting in Nîmes. They emphasized the need for dialogue and called on the national government to take responsibility for the current crisis affecting youth.

Regional engagement with students

The Occitanie region aims to strengthen its connection with high school students by involving elected officials in academic councils. This initiative seeks to ensure students have a voice in decisions affecting their schools, though it requires approval from the Montpellier Academy.

Significant investments in high schools

Since 2016, the region has invested two billion euros in high schools across Occitanie. In the Gard department alone, nearly 170 million euros has been allocated to modernize schools and improve learning environments, with major projects at institutions like the Jean-Baptiste-Dumas high school in Alès.

Heatwave response and funding challenges

The damage caused by the deterioration of high schools is estimated at four million euros. In response, regional officials have requested ten million euros from a heatwave plan to improve conditions in 120 to 150 schools before the 2027 exams, with a focus on the Gard department.

Funding cuts and calls for action

The Occitanie region has experienced an 800 million euro reduction in state funding over 11 years, equivalent to its multi-year investment plan for high schools. Carole Delga is advocating for a reduction in the proposed further cuts to regional funding in the 2027 finance bill.