Replacing Argentan School with Day Hospital Debated
- ARGENTAN, France — The proposed sale of the former Jean-de-la-Fontaine primary school premises to the Psychotherapeutic Center of the Orne (CPO) sparked disagreement between the majority adn the...
- The school, located in the Belle-Etoile district, has been closed as the beginning of the 2024 school year.
- It is indeed really a shame to separate from an element of the municipal heritage which could be used for the population of the district which represents between...
Argentan Council Debates School Premises Sale to Psychotherapeutic Center
ARGENTAN, France — The proposed sale of the former Jean-de-la-Fontaine primary school premises to the Psychotherapeutic Center of the Orne (CPO) sparked disagreement between the majority adn the opposition during the Argentan municipal council meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025.
School Premises Bought from €400,000
The school, located in the Belle-Etoile district, has been closed as the beginning of the 2024 school year. On Dec. 13, a buyout offer of up to €400,000 was made, leading the city of argentan to approve the sale.
It is indeed really a shame to separate from an element of the municipal heritage which could be used for the population of the district which represents between 750 and 800 inhabitants.
Michel Melot, minority council member
Melot added, We were already against the closure of this school.
Frédéric leveillé, mayor of Argentan, addressed the concerns, stating, You have to be rational. When you have a perspective of -30% of children in schools, there is a choice to make. We did it and we assume obligation.
He further explained that the CPO takeover would allow the center to welcome an adult outpatient center open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“OK for the Center,But Not Here”
The mayor continued,However,we sell this building to install a departmental service. So we cannot have a double speech which consists in saying that it takes employment and services to Argentan, and complain when we manage to have it.
The opposition clarified that they were not against the arrival of the health establishment, but not here.
The mayor responded, only we need, but where do we put it? Must be pragmatic.
According to Melot, the majority forget the inhabitants
in this decision.
It’s a shame, it was the main meeting place. For me, this school could stay for the inhabitants of the neighborhood and the surroundings,
Melot insisted.
I think of the inhabitants of belle-Etoile, but apparently you (the elected officials of the majority, note) do not have this fraternal side.
Michel Melot
“People Will Judge”
hervé Lasne, deputy mayor, urged the opposition to consider a broader perspective.
You have to get out of this logic that Belle-Etoile lives his life in Belle-Etoile.It is not a town but part of the city. We will not get there if we think neighborhood by neighborhood,
Lasne said.
Melot remained unconvinced, concluding, People will judge.
Philippe Jidouard, deputy mayor, assured that nonetheless of the school’s fate, The polling station will still be on the premises. As long as democracy remains…
Argentan Council Debates: School Premises Sale – your Questions Answered
introduction
The Argentan municipal council meeting on March 24, 2025, saw meaningful debate over the proposed sale of the former Jean-de-la-Fontaine primary school premises. This article provides a thorough Q&A to break down the key issues and perspectives involved in this decision.
Key Questions and Answers
Why is the Argentan Council considering selling the former school premises?
The primary reason for considering the sale is the closure of the school at the beginning of the 2024 school year. According to Mayor frédéric Leveillé, the council had to make a choice due to a “perspective of -30% of children in schools.” The sale of the premises to the Psychotherapeutic Center of the Orne (CPO) woudl bring a departmental service to the area.
What’s the proposed use for the former school building?
The Psychotherapeutic Center of the Orne (CPO) plans to use the premises to establish an adult outpatient center, which would be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What are the main points of contention regarding the sale?
The main point of contention centers on the location and impact on the Belle-Etoile district. While the opposition,led by Michel Melot,is not against the health establishment itself,they believe the former school should remain a community asset in the area. Several council members disagree with the majority’s priority to “forget the inhabitants” in this decision.
What is the opposition’s stance on the sale?
The opposition,as voiced by Michel Melot,believes the school should stay for the inhabitants in Belle-Etoile and the surrounding area,emphasizing that it was a key meeting place. They express sadness at the sale, highlighting the potential loss of a municipal heritage element.
What is the majority’s argument in favor of the sale?
The majority, spearheaded by Mayor Leveillé, argues for the sale and the CPO’s presence. They emphasize pragmatism, stressing the need for departmental services and employment within Argentan. They also suggest opposition to the sale would be inconsistent with promoting new employment opportunities in the area.
Can the sale and CPO establishment go forward?
The council ultimately approved the sale of the school property, specifically for up to €400,000.
How does the community view the sale?
Michel Melot states that the “people will judge”. The people’s opinion of the sale outcome remains to be seen.
Where does the polling station go after the sale?
Philippe Jidouard, deputy mayor, assured that irrespective of the school’s fate, the polling station will remain on the premises.
Summary: Key Perspectives
| Aspect | Majority Stance | Opposition Stance |
| ———————– | ——————————————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————————————————– |
| primary Goal | To bring departmental services and employment to improve the city. | To preserve the school as a center for the local community. |
| Key Concerns | Rationality regarding the decreasing children’s population needs | Losing a municipal heritage element, and the wishes of 750 to 800 inhabitants |
| Building Purpose | Establishment of an adult outpatient center. | The school remains as a meeting place. |
| Overall Sentiment | Pragmatic approach prioritizing service over nostalgia. | A sense of loss and concern the neighborhood will be negatively impacted.|