During the recent school holidays, urgent maintenance work was conducted at several primary schools across Dreux to address safety concerns. This included significant renovations at schools such as Victor-Hugo, Saint-Exupéry, and Mendès France, fundamentally aimed at ensuring safe environments for students returning to class. Recent harsh weather had accelerated the deterioration of school grounds, necessitating immediate action.
According to local officials, securing these educational facilities was deemed imperative not only for the children's safety but also for enhancing accessibility for parents and visitors. "With the onset of the new term, our priority was to guarantee safe and welcoming school environments for all," stated school district spokesperson Samuel Agutter.
Meanwhile, the town also celebrated the official opening of its first preschool class for children with autism at the public kindergarten of Abondant, which began on February 24, 2025. Six children are set to benefit from this initiative, which aims to provide supportive education for children with special needs. Évelyne Lefebvre, the local councilor, noted, "I was approached by regional health authorities to establish this class to help integrate children with autism. There were limited options available, with only two such classes within the department previously. Our aim is to promote inclusion and expand their opportunities for education."
The initiative is backed by various entities such as the town council, which provides the facility, and the Department, which handles transport logistics. The collaboration between local governance and health services paves the way for broader community support, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for children facing developmental challenges.
On the political front, the local chapter of "La France Insoumise" (LFI) inaugurated its headquarters on February 23, serving as the groundwork for upcoming municipal elections scheduled for 2026. Activist Slimane Gaci stressed the significance of engaging local citizens, especially as future legislative and possibly presidential elections loom on the horizon. "We’re preparing actively here, knowing the composition of the national assembly could change at any time, possibly leading to new elections. Our community needs to be ready!" he explained.
Shifting gears to infrastructure, the municipality initiated the replacement of outdated high-pressure sodium lights with energy-efficient LED lighting at the local gymnasium beginning February 17. "Many of the original fixtures were obsolete, and our decision to upgrade is both practical and sustainable," mentioned Nicolas Carnevale, the municipal councilor responsible for buildings. The conversion to LED is projected to halve energy consumption, enhancing both cost-efficiency and environmental impact. Additional adjustments like the ability to control lighting intensity are also set to benefit various activities, including sporting events.
At the same time, Dreux's police department is actively addressing safety challenges, especially amid rising urban unrest and crime. With a population of about 30,000, Dreux has experienced increased policing efforts, including the installation of 70 surveillance cameras to monitor crime hotspots and respond swiftly to incidents of theft and violence. The local police force conducts approximately 450 operations each month, managing challenging situations ranging from petty crime to serious disturbances.
With strategies combining visible policing and advanced surveillance technology, Dreux’s municipal officers are facing newer and increasingly complex challenges to maintain public order. "Our role as community guardians involves heightened vigilance and engagement, often paralleling more traditional forms of policing. We are committed to ensuring safety and responsiveness to disturbances," stated one of the police officers, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures amid societal challenges.
This multifaceted approach to addressing community needs—from educational initiatives to upgrades in public safety—demonstrates the city's commitment to welfare and progress. Local leaders and citizens alike are rallying together to navigate the issues at hand and forge a path forward for their community.