Meurthe-et-Moselle: 65 classes threatened with closure this year – which schools are affected?

As the new school year begins, Meurthe-et-Moselle faces a serious problem in the education sector: 65 classes are threatened with closure. This situation is raising numerous concerns among parents, teachers, and local authorities. But which schools are affected, and what is the local impact of these decisions?

The problem of school closures in Meurthe-et-Moselle

School closures in Meurthe-et-Moselle are nothing new. Every year, these decisions are made within the context of budgetary management, and 2026 is no exception. This phenomenon is generally attributed to demographic decline, meaning there are fewer students in some schools. Consequently, education authorities must adjust school distribution.

The repercussions of this situation are far-reaching. When classes close, children are often grouped together in distant schools, which can complicate travel for families. Furthermore, this can lead to overcrowding in some classrooms, with the number of students reaching 25 or more in a single room.

The pressure on teachers may also increase, as they have to manage larger classes, often with mixed learning levels. The SE-UNSA union has raised concerns about this arrangement, indicating that it could negatively impact the quality of education provided.

The reasons for these class closures

The reasons behind these closures can be numerous and varied. On the one hand, the demographic decline means there are fewer children in some areas. This directly affects the number of teachers needed and, consequently, the number of classes.

On the other hand, the budget allocated by the Ministry of National Education is increasing more slowly than the cost of living. In 2025, the 0.26% budget increase was insufficient to offset inflation of 0.9%, necessitating a tightening of spending. Local authorities, also affected by budgetary constraints, must make difficult choices regarding school allocation.

Another often overlooked aspect is staffing management. The elimination of 53 teaching positions in the Nancy-Metz academy for the start of the 2026 school year is a clear example of this trend. This often stems from the idea of ​​streamlining, where the aim is to save on operating costs.

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List of schools affected by class closures

The school closures affect several districts, and each institution feels the impact of this decision. Here is a summary of the schools at risk:

• Blainville constituency:
  • Villacourt Primary School
  • Rozelieures Primary School
• Villacourt Primary School
• Rozelieures Primary School
• Nancy constituency:
  • Jules-Ferry Elementary School (Nancy)
  • Manoukian Nursery School (Villers-lès-Nancy)
• Jules-Ferry Elementary School (Nancy)
• Manoukian Nursery School (Villers-lès-Nancy)
• Jarny constituency:
  • Erckman-Chatrian Kindergarten (Jarville)
  • Jules-Ferry Elementary School (Jarny)
• Erckman-Chatrian Kindergarten (Jarville)
• Jules-Ferry Elementary School (Jarny)
• Longwy constituency:
  • Brigidi-Godey/Jean-Macé Nursery School (Mont-Saint-Martin)
  • Albert 1st Elementary (Longwy)
• Brigidi-Godey/Jean-Macé Nursery School (Mont-Saint-Martin)
• Albert 1st Elementary (Longwy)

Impact of school closures on students

School closures have many implications for students. Parents fear a decline in the quality of education, especially in districts affected by a high number of closures. Overcrowded classrooms can mean less individual attention for each child.

Teachers, for their part, are experiencing increased pressure. With fuller classes, they have to juggle a wide range of teaching levels. This not only complicates classroom management but can also negatively impact the overall educational experience. The challenges of teaching different age groups in the same classroom are numerous, and this can quickly lead to burnout among teaching staff.

All of this underscores the importance of a collective discussion between unions, the Ministry of Education, and local authorities. Innovative and inclusive solutions must be considered to address these challenges. Teachers, parents, and administrators must unite to find sustainable solutions to ensure quality education for every child.

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The solutions being considered for the future

Faced with such a complex situation, several options are being considered by the authorities and unions. According to recent discussions, several measures could be adopted.

1. Reorganization of school distribution : Review the distribution of classes to distribute them more equitably according to staffing needs.
2. Strengthening educational support : Use the positions not for closing classes, but to strengthen support for students, especially those in difficulty.
3. School mergers : Develop merger projects where relevant. For example, preschools and elementary schools could merge to create a single primary school, thus optimizing resources.

These initiatives could offer a way to support not only teachers, but also students during periods of educational transition. A collective commitment is essential to ensuring the sustainability of quality education in the region and preventing class closures from becoming the norm.