François de Canson: "The Region deploys a massive investment plan for high schools"
The Vice-President of Région Sud, François de Canson, presented the investment plan for the high schools in the territory.
On the occasion of the start of the school year, François de Canson, Vice-President of Région Sud, detailed the investment plan for high schools, focusing on security, renovation, and purchasing power.
The start of the school year in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur takes place under the sign of massive investments. Visiting Lycée professionnel Georges Cisson in Toulon then Lycée Costebelle in Hyères, François de Canson presented the main axes of regional policy in favor of the 200,000 high school students in the territory, alongside Simon Babre, Prefect of Var, and Emmanuel Roux, Rector of the Académie de Nice.
The day was marked by the visit of workshops, meetings with educational teams, and the distribution of digital tablets to new tenth-grade students.
A budget of 2.7 billion €
The Vice-President confirmed a financial commitment for education with a budget of 2.7 billion € invested in the 276 high schools (174 public and 102 private) since 2016: "For the year 2026 alone, 280.7 million € are dedicated to high school life, from construction to renovation, including educational equipment. One of the flagship projects is the creation of a new gymnasium, a dojo, and a climbing wall within Lycée Georges Cisson, an operation funded up to 8.6 million € by the Région."
Security, an absolute priority
He added: "Since 2016, more than 127 million € have been allocated to securing the establishments. This strategy translates into the installation of 2,100 cameras, alarms, and anti-intrusion airlocks. The system is completed by the Garde régionale des lycées, composed of 152 mediators present around the establishments to prevent uncivil behavior and harassment."
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"A new step has been taken with the testing of badge access control in 13 pilot high schools, a system intended to be generalized to all public establishments by 2028. The fight against school harassment, a major regional cause since 2021, benefits from a plan with one million euros per year to fund awareness and training actions."
Anthony Coelho, a specialized educator, testified to the importance of this fieldwork: "My socio-educational intervention consists of being present where high school students live their daily lives. […] My role then consists of being a point of reference, preventing situations of drop-out, and promoting dialogue. I consider my presence as an educational tool that allows creating the conditions for a young person to be supported and progressively become an actor of their choices."
Support for families and energy renovation
Regional support is also manifested through concrete assistance aimed at reducing the cost of the start of the school year for families, representing up to 2,500€ in potential savings.
François de Canson further specified: "Among the measures are free textbooks, the distribution of 62,000 tablets in 2026 (an annual investment of 30 million €), the Pass Santé Jeunes, or the Pass ZOU! Études at 90€ per year for unlimited access to regional transport."
"At the same time, the Région has initiated a vast energy renovation plan with the goal of modernizing 100% of its high school stock by 2030, focusing on insulation, the modernization of heating systems, and adaptation to climate change. In the catering sector, where 11 million meals are served each year, the price is maintained at a maximum of 4.30 €, while prioritizing short circuits and the fight against food waste."
Structuring projects in Var
Var benefits from several structuring projects. In addition to the future sports complex of Lycée Cisson in Toulon, where work begins in 2026 for a delivery in September 2027, the new Lycée Golf Hôtel in Hyères was delivered this school year.
Rebuilt after the 2019 floods at a cost of 63.7 million €, this modern establishment can accommodate 675 students under optimal conditions, with a boarding school of 150 places and training restaurants dedicated to hotel industry professions.
These achievements illustrate the determination of the Région to build the high schools of tomorrow: safer, more sustainable, and better adapted to the needs of students and territories.
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.