School damage in Occitanie region

Approximately fifty of the 226 high schools in the Occitanie region have been damaged since the start of the protests. Seven of these schools need major repairs, with all work expected to be finished by the end of 2027.

Estimated cost of damages

The cost of damage to high schools in the region since mid-September is about 4 million euros, according to Carole Delga, the president of the regional authority, during a press conference on October 29. Nationally, the damage is estimated to be close to 30 million euros.

Types of damage in schools

The damage includes burned reception booths, courtyards, gates, fences, facades, and destroyed security equipment. About 20% of the region’s high schools have been affected.

Initial repair efforts

Initial repair, preservation, and security work have been carried out in about twenty high schools, costing a total of 460,000 euros. This work aims to ensure that the schools can continue to function properly.

Repair costs at specific schools

At Montpellier’s Jules Guesde high school, restoring the entrance, reception booth, and multipurpose room is expected to cost 360,000 euros. At Jean Mermoz high school, securing the burned reception booth and reinforcing fences will cost 30,000 euros.

Repairs in other cities

At Toulouse’s Roland-Garros high school, repairs to the entrance and reception booth will cost 500,000 euros. At Tarbes’s Jean Dupuy high school, fixing the turnstiles and fences will cost 30,000 euros. Repairs are also ongoing in about thirty other high schools.

Context of student protests

These damages occur amid widespread student protests across France. Students are protesting against issues such as a shortage of teachers, overloaded schedules, and poor conditions in some schools.