Rififi about new Aix-en-Provence High School plan

Michel Vauzelle, chairman of the regional council, pitched on the site of Velaux, as “the most rapid solution.” Aix-en-Provence high schools are currently saturated.

The fifth Aix-en-Provence high school will be in Velaux. On the 9^th of November, Michel Vauzelle was in Mayor Jean-Pierre Maggi’s commune in order to launch the project. The chairman of the Regional Council declared that it was a joint decision with the local students, the national authorities, and the help of the rector.

Pierre Menucci, vice-president in charge of education and training at the Regional Council insisted on the ideal location of the place. It is indeed between the CD 20 and the Roquepertuse way. Michel Vauzelle announced : “ It is well located and perfectly answers to any expectations .” It could welcome around one thousand students in East Vitrolles and West Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence high schools have been overcrowded for several years. Aix municipality had suggested another site, in Duranne. Nevertheless, the Regional Council assessed that the place was not developed enough for the moment.

The issue has thrown Maryse Joissains Masini into a fit of rage. She criticizes the choice of Velaux as merely a political decision. The mayor of Aix-en-Provence, who is at the same time the President of the intercommunity of the local government of the Pays d’Aix, blames the site of Velaux for not being part of the Pays d’Aix. Mr. Vauzelle rejects these accusations and asserts that the Duranne option will be examined when the area is more developed.

As for Ms. Baggioni-Lopez, the FSU coordinator, she only cares about the situation of the students. She emphasises the overcrowded reality of local high schools. According to her, “classes are already exploding”.

For Ms. Joissains, the situation is not that simple. She is planning to start a political and administrative battle. She threatens not to pay Aix part of house tax to the Regional Council. She clearly demands a sixth high school in Duranne.