Several parents of students gathered in front of Clément Roassal school in the Vernier district of Nice. Dissatisfied, they do not understand why a teacher for the preschool and kindergarten classes has not yet been replaced during her 5-week absence. This situation, which continues to drag on, is affecting the proper functioning of the classes.
Despite her maternity leave, the teacher has not been replaced. Yet, the school had made a request for a replacement. As a result, 54 children had to be distributed among other classes. Their numbers have therefore increased by 30%, which goes against safety regulations and impedes the smooth progress of the educational program. Frustrated by these conditions, the parents of the students wanted to make their voices heard.
“We are in discussion with the administration. Their working conditions are becoming extremely difficult. They have fewer and fewer adults to supervise the children, and the supervision and safety standards are not met. They are just as worried and stressed as we are. As parent representatives, we have written a letter to the attention of the academic inspector. Several hundred parents have signed this letter,” explains Giulia Bonacci, a parent representative.
In the face of this silence, the parents feel they are not being heard by the city. Their alarm and exasperation are not solely due to repeated absenteeism. Gaps in the playground, rats in the bushes, and flooding are all factors that seem to suggest Clément Roassal school is being neglected. Just a few steps away, Thérèse Romeo school seems to be suffering the same fate, according to a mother present at the gathering: “Since September, the after-school programs are not managed by the city but by an association. Since then, meals are the responsibility of the parents. That is not the issue, but there is no way to heat the meals or keep them in a refrigerator. After several parental meetings, we managed to get two microwaves. Another problem arose, the electrical outlets did not work. Additionally, the children are not allowed to use the furniture. They cannot sit at a table to do coloring because no cleaning service is provided.”
For now, the priority for the parents remains above all to combat repeated absenteeism.
