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Paris region doubles security budget for schools

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
Paris region doubles security budget for schools
Photo: AFP

Authorities in the Paris region have announced plans to double the security budget for high schools, as the terrorist threat in France continues.

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Announcing a series of changes to schools in the for the upcoming academic year, Valerie Pécresse, the head of the Ile-de-France region which includes Paris, insisted on Tuesday that the security of educational establishments in the region would be her top priority.
 
Pécresse’s announcement came in response to the heightened risk of terror attacks in France, and the particular vulnerability of French schools, which have been specifically targeted by threats in Isis propaganda magazine Dar al Islam in the past.
 
This year's security budget has been doubled to €10.3 million for schools in the Paris region.  
 
Since last January, schools have already received up to €3 million of funding which has allowed 130 establishments to finance new security measures.
 
Private high schools will also be eligible to receive up to €2 million to help boost security.
 
The new budget comes after Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem announced heightened security measures for all French schools, including the staging of ‘mock’ terrorist attacks
 
Other changes that come with Tuesday's budget include:
 
The creation of an autonomous budget for high schools
 
By September, 12 high schools in Ile-de-France will be allocated funding to spend freely on anything from school projects to new buildings and resources. €780,000 have already been invested into the initiative.
 
The creation of new housing possibilities for teachers
 
This incentive intends to combat the problem of a lack of teachers in the region, which currently affects two out of three schools in the Paris region. Teachers employed in the region will soon be eligible for social housing, on the condition that they stay on for at least five years.
 
More apprenticeships
 
Over 4,800 new apprenticeships have already been created in the Paris region in time for the new academic year this September. 
 
Employers offering apprenticeships can also expect to receive bonuses more quickly upon taking on apprentices. There will also be more specialist help available for young people who are taking on apprenticeships. 

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