Class Closure: Rogéville Mayor Challenges Education Minister
Rogéville School Faces Renewed Closure Threat Despite Previous Legal Victory
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After successfully saving one of Rogéville’s three classes last year through an appeal to the administrative court of Nancy, Mayor Didier Pierrot now faces a renewed challenge. Despite the court’s ruling that the previous class closure was illegal, the school is once again threatened.
This time, the threat comes from the academic director of the National Education Services (Dasen) of meurthe-et-Moselle, as part of the school card set to be officially unveiled on Monday, March 10. The potential closure has ignited concerns about the future of rural education.
A “Contempt for Justice”?
In response to this development, Mayor Pierrot has directly addressed Elisabeth Borne, the Minister of National Education, in an open letter titled ”What place for rural school in front of a Dasen that acts outside of any framework?”. The letter expresses his frustration with what he sees as a failure to respect the court’s decision.
an interim order had previously established that the management should await the judgment on the merits of the administrative court before any post deletion.Pierrot highlights this disregard, stating:
Today, even though the ministry challenged this decision before the Council of State, the Dasen does it again, by deciding again to close this class, as if justice had never existed. This attitude raises a fundamental question: can we accept that a representative of national education makes decisions contrary to a court decision? Should we understand that, in your ministry, respect for law is an option?
Rural Schools Under Threat
As the fight to save the class in Rogéville, located between Toul and Pont-à-Mousson, is reignited, Didier Pierrot is also criticizing what he perceives as a lack of consideration for rural schools. He argues that the promises of support for rural education are being ignored.
pierrot asserts:
Beyond the contempt of justice, it is also a contempt for the rurality plan that we see. this plan provides for rural school protection measures, in -depth consultation and multi -year stability of the school card. However, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, all this is swept away with a back of hand: consultation is fake, local elected officials are put in front of the fait accompli, and the school card is decided in the most total opacity.
He further questions the minister, asking:
Can we accept that the future of children in rural areas is decided in such an arbitrary and brutal way?
In Meurthe-et-Moselle, the current estimate is 55 class closings or post deletions, compared to only 35 openings. This imbalance raises concerns about the future of education in the region.
Call to Action
With the school card scheduled for presentation on March 10 at the CDEN (Departmental Council of National Education), the mayor of Rogéville is urging elected officials to vote against it.He is also calling for a gathering in front of the prefecture to protest the proposed closures. The community is mobilizing to protect its school and the future of its children.
Rogéville School Closure: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Here’s a breakdown of the situation surrounding the threatened school closure in Rogéville, France, and the broader implications for rural education:
Q: What is happening with the school in Rogéville, France?
A: The Rogéville school, located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, is facing a renewed threat of class closure. This comes despite the school successfully appealing a previous closure attempt to the administrative court of nancy last year. The academic director of the National Education Services (Dasen) of Meurthe-et-Moselle is proposing the closure as part of the upcoming ”school card,” scheduled to be unveiled on March 10th. The potential closure threatens the existence of rural schools.
Q: Why is the Mayor of Rogéville so upset about this situation?
A: Mayor Didier pierrot is deeply frustrated for several reasons:
Disregard for the Court’s Decision: He believes the proposed closure ignores the previous court ruling that deemed the prior closure illegal.
Contempt for Justice: Pierrot feels the Dasen’s actions demonstrate a disrespect for the legal system. He questions whether representatives of national education shoudl be able to make decisions contradicting court orders. Mayor Pierrot wrote an open letter to Elisabeth Borne, the Minister of National Education, expressing his concerns.
Neglect of Rural Education: Pierrot argues the closure contradicts promises to support rural schools and uphold the “rurality plan,” which includes measures for school protection, consultation, and stability.
Lack of Transparency: he claims the decision-making process regarding the “school card” is opaque,with local elected officials being presented with a fait accompli (an accomplished fact).
Q: What is the “school card” and why is it important?
A: The “school card” (carte scolaire) refers to the annual plan that determines the allocation of resources, including the opening and closing of classes, within a specific region or department in France. It is indeed prepared by the academic director of the National Education Services (Dasen). The “school card” is crucial because it directly impacts the availability of educational resources and the future of schools in different areas, especially in rural communities.
Q: What is the “rurality plan” mentioned by Mayor Pierrot?
A: The “rurality plan” refers to government policies and initiatives designed to support and protect rural areas in France, including rural schools. These plans frequently enough include measures to ensure the long-term stability of rural schools, encourage consultation with local stakeholders, and provide resources to maintain educational quality in rural communities. Mayor Pierrot asserts that the proposed school closure in Rogéville goes against the principles and objectives of the “rurality plan.”
Q: What is the scale of class closures in Meurthe-et-Moselle?
A: The current estimate for Meurthe-et-Moselle is 55 class closures or post deletions, compared to only 35 openings. This imbalance indicates a notable reduction in educational resources within the department,disproportionately affecting rural areas.
Q: What action is being taken to fight the proposed closure?
A: Mayor Pierrot is actively fighting the closure on multiple fronts:
Calling for a Vote Against the “School Card”: He is urging elected officials to vote against the proposed “school card” at the CDEN (Departmental Council of National Education).
Organizing a Protest: He is calling for a gathering in front of the prefecture to protest the proposed closures.
Mobilizing the Community: He is working to raise awareness and galvanize support from residents to protect their school.
Q: What are the potential consequences of closing rural schools?
A: Closures of rural schools can have devastating consequences for communities:
Decline in Community Viability: Schools are frequently enough central to rural life, serving as social hubs and employers. Their closure can accelerate the decline of these communities, making them less attractive to families.
Increased Travel Times for Students: Students may have to travel longer distances to attend schools in other towns, placing a burden on families and perhaps affecting academic performance.
Loss of Local Identity: Schools often play a vital role in preserving local culture and identity. Their closure can contribute to a sense of loss and displacement.
Impact on Property Values: Closing a local school can decrease property values in the surrounding area, making it more difficult for residents to sell their homes.
Rise of Far-Right Sentiments: Research indicates that public service deprivation, like school closures, can fuel feelings of abandonment and marginalization, potentially leading to increased support for far-right political parties.
Q: What is the CDEN (Departmental Council of National Education)?
A: The CDEN (Conseil Départemental de l’Éducation Nationale) is the Departmental Council of National Education. It’s a local advisory board in France that brings together representatives of various stakeholders (elected officials, teachers, parents, etc.) to discuss and provide input on educational matters at the departmental level. The “school card” is scheduled for presentation to the CDEN on March 10th.
Q: Is this situation unique to Rogéville,or is it a broader problem in France?
A: rogéville’s situation reflects a wider trend of rural school closures in France,driven by factors such as declining populations and budget constraints. Many rural communities are fighting to preserve their schools, recognizing their importance to the vitality and future of their regions. The closures disproportionately affect rural communities.
Q: What broader effect do school closures have on rural communities in France?
A: School closures are often seen as indicator of eroding public services and state support in rural France. Schools serve as social hubs, sources of employment, and drivers of local economies.