The Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, is facing legal challenges over its policy of offering "free" school textbooks through the digital platform Pearltrees. A public rapporteur, an official tasked with investigating administrative actions, presented her findings to the Paris Administrative Court on September 4. She concluded that the region overstepped its authority by editing and distributing school textbooks, which are typically the responsibility of national or private educational publishers. Les Éditeurs d'Éducation, a group representing about a dozen publishing houses and educational brands, supported the rapporteur's findings. They argued that the system set up by the Île-de-France region since 2022 goes beyond the authority granted to local communities. The group emphasized that no local public interest justifies such an action, and they are ready to take over the provision of textbooks if the region's current system is removed. The Paris Administrative Court is expected to issue its final ruling on September 18. In the meantime, the public rapporteur recommended delaying the removal of the "free textbooks" until July 3, 2027, to prevent disruptions for teachers and students. This delay would allow time for a smooth transition. However, a previous ruling by the Montreuil Administrative Court had ordered the removal of the "free textbooks" by September 30, 2026. The Île-de-France region has appealed that decision, which may affect the timeline. The region defended its initiative, stating that the free textbooks helped meet pedagogical needs, supported budget constraints, and ensured equal access to education. The program covered nearly all general subjects and technological tracks. The costs of using the Pearltrees Education platform, including access for teachers, students, and high school staff, were fully covered by the region, estimated at 18 million euros. Les Éditeurs d'Éducation noted that their members have more than 800 educational titles compatible with the French regional digital environment and urged the region to start preparing for a transition to ensure continued access to quality educational materials.