The Mayor of the city of Nice spoke at the Nikaia elementary school. He outlined the new features of the 2017 school year, significant changes.
Security, school rhythm, class splits… Nothing was overlooked by the former President of the Region. Alongside his deputy in charge of education Jean-Marc Glaume and the Academy Inspector Michel-Jean Floc’h, Christian Estrosi appeared quite proud when announcing these new features.
The main project for this school year is the return to the 4-day school week for elementary and kindergarten schools. Proudly, the President of the Metropolis boldly declares that “Nice is the first major city in France to fully return to the four-day week.” An experiment granted by the new Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer. For Mr. Estrosi, it makes perfect sense that his city was chosen: “We were ready. We showed the minister that we were capable of returning to the original rhythm from this school year. 98% of our school councils supported this return, which explains the efficiency with which our institutions have readjusted.” Complete satisfaction for the Mayor of Nice, who was one of the most vocal opponents of the school rhythm law. For him, the switch to four and a half days did not meet the population’s expectations and went against the interests of children.
Therefore, Wednesday will no longer be a school day in Nice, but there is no question of leaving the children with their parents. It will be a “after-school” day where 51 leisure centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (including 5 open from 7:30 a.m.). All kinds of activities will be offered to the children (cultural, sports, educational, artistic…). For example, the “Ski Plan” will return, including regular trips to the mountains, in connection with local sports clubs. After-school times will also occur from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on all other weekdays after school, to facilitate the organization for parents who cannot pick up their children earlier.
Another point close to Christian Estrosi’s heart is the doubling of CP classes in REP+ zones (Priority Education Networks). The government’s second flagship measure on the education plan will also be implemented by the city of Nice from this school year. As a reminder, it aims for CP classes in these networks to be limited to 12 students to facilitate children’s learning. A total of 32 classes have been restructured in 15 schools in Nice neighborhoods (Ariane, Les Moulins, Bon Voyage, Pasteur, and La Vallière).
Regarding security, Nice also intends to make a mark. Current context obliges, the municipality only increases its vigilance in schools which, for Christian Estrosi, must “remain a sanctuary of the Republic.” An investment amounting to 13.6 million for the security of these school groups. Among the major points are:
– installation of surveillance cameras inside schools
– implementation of 180 alert buttons within schools
– assignment of private security guards to each institution
– creation of a school brigade with 110 municipal police positions dedicated to schools.
