Mantes: restricted access to toilets, absent teachers, smoke bombs… what is happening at the college of the future?

The “college of the future” faces the same problems as those of the past. “We use the same recipes so we have the same results,” one teacher philosophizes. Second consecutive “dead day”, Tuesday April 30, 2024, in this establishment in Val Fourré in Mantes-la-Jolie (Yvelines). Many parents have in fact decided not to send their children to classes to denounce insecurity and lack of resources.

This morning, around thirty of them were gathered in front of the gates. And only 135 of the 630 students had signed up. Opened in 2021 in the heart of this sensitive district, this college was presented as avant-garde in terms of pedagogy. Touchscreen tablets deployed everywhere, large bay windows, amphitheater, parents’ room, partnership with aerospace… We had there the showcase of tomorrow’s education.

Finally on paper. Just over two years after its opening, incidents multiply. Parents and teachers are breaking down in the face of the climate of violence and insecurity that is gradually establishing itself within these walls.

Smoke bombs lit in the corridors

The latest notable example, which occurred a few weeks ago: a smoke bomb was lit by a troublemaker in the corridors, generating panic. The Academic Inspection has filed a complaint and the perpetrator has not yet been identified.

“This is the second time this has happened. And the fire alarm didn’t go off,” says one FCPE representative. This system “has never been defective” retorts the Academic Inspectorate, supported by a recent visit by the security committee. “We also experienced significant damage and numerous acts of incivility, especially in the weeks before the holidays and since the resumption,” says a professor. This winter, they triggered alert rights to raise awareness of the situation.

After incidents, a procedure to follow… to go to the little corner

Among the revendications parents, more surprisingly, we also find access… to the toilets! After the discovery in the toilet of graffiti “insulting and threatening” towards the teaching team, you now have to sign a register before being able to relieve a pressing desire. “Our children have to go to school, then to reception to collect the key,” summarizes a parent. There are some who prefer to hold back, even if it means getting sick. It is not normal ! »

The Academic Inspectorate specifies that this procedure is limited to “time outside of recess” and that this could be “relaxed” from May 2.

Return of CPE on May 2

Another subject of tension, which falls badly in this tense context, theabsence of the three CPE. Two of them have been off work for a month and a half, the third since last week. Who then will manage school life? “The management team,” replies the Academic Inspectorate, indicating that the first two will return to work on May 2. “We learned about these absences from our children. There is no communication from the establishment. We want to know what’s going on,” said a mother this morning.

Also within the educational team, replacements are not necessarily insured.

“My son’s Spanish teacher, who is also his homeroom teacher, is not expected to come back for the rest of the year. »

For its part, the Academic Inspection ensures that the sick leave of more than two weeks are subject to replacement, as was the case for two teachers, mathematics and French. But in other matters, where there is no or few staff available, this is not always the case, according to our information.

“Big break” between parents and management

Some of these judgments are also linked “in part” to a conflict with management, according to a teacher: “Many colleagues are suffering. » Families also, received this afternoon as a delegation by the principal, point out difficulties with the supervisory team. “We are in a difficult area, we understand that there are problems,” summarizes one mother. We just ask that we work hand in hand with the establishment to resolve all of this. But we are left out. Today, there is a big gap between them and us. »
Their message appears to have been heard by Pierre Bedier (LR), the president of the department. In recent days, he took up his pen to express his dissatisfaction to the rectorate. “He largely understands this discontent. It must be taken into consideration,” people around him say.

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