In the second episode of our series \u00ab\u00a0Taking Education to New Heights in Haute-Savoie Schools,\u00a0\u00bb<\/em> we had the opportunity to meet Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and vice-president of the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council. Digital tools play a central role in the town’s schools, and for good reason: for Jean-Marc Peillex, every child in the community is a priority!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jean-Marc Peillex, who has been mayor of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains since 2001, knows his town’s history well. When discussing education, he shares his strong values of commitment and investment in the children of his community. From the smallest one-class hamlet school\u2014 which he has managed to keep open despite others around him giving up\u2014to larger schools, all students are given the same opportunities for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00ab\u00a0Together with the municipal team, we try to do our best\u2014that is, to meet expectations rather than impose anything,\u00a0\u00bb<\/em> he explains during our interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the unique aspects of Saint-Gervais is that the town has fought to keep its small hamlet schools open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Saint-Gervais, nothing is imposed\u2014there is no rigid school zoning system. Parents have the freedom to choose the school they want for their children. To maintain these small schools, parents also need to play their part, and that\u2019s exactly what happens in this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A climate of trust has developed between local elected officials, the school district, the support work of the local education inspector (IEN) and their team (eRUN, pedagogical advisors), local authorities, and parents. That\u2019s why it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00ab\u00a0The same goes for digital technology: we listen, but we don\u2019t impose anything!\u00a0\u00bb<\/em> adds the mayor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint-Gervais has been a pioneer in integrating digital tools into schools, particularly at Mont Joly School, one of the small hamlet schools with around fifteen students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The technology used has evolved over time, \u00ab\u00a0because it changes along with new teachers.\u00a0\u00bb<\/em> In any case, according to the mayor, \u00ab\u00a0teachers are the ones who know what they need, and the community is there to support them. We do not have the right to deny children access to anything that could benefit them\u2014that\u2019s a principle,\u00a0\u00bb<\/em> insists Jean-Marc Peillex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What contributes to the success of Saint-Gervais’ schools? Stability! Teachers don\u2019t want to leave, and they stay from the start of their careers until retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked about Wi-Fi, electromagnetic waves, and fiber optics, Jean-Marc Peillex has clear answers\u2014watch the interview to find out more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mayor doesn\u2019t hold back when it comes to social networks, mobile phones, or Artificial Intelligence. He believes regulations are needed\u2014parents and schools can\u2019t be expected to handle everything alone. There must be clear guidelines on these topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00ab\u00a0As mayor, it\u2019s not my role to interfere with the curriculum, which is the responsibility of the national education system. Of course, as an elected official involved in French political life, I can have an opinion on reforms, but I have absolute confidence in what teachers are doing,\u00a0\u00bb<\/em>\u00a0he concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFighting to Preserve Hamlet Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Pioneer in Digital Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stability: The Key to Success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Clear Stance on Social Media, Smartphones, and AI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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