Substitute Teacher Evacuates Classroom Over Suspected Intoxication

A substitute teacher at Lycée Comte de Foix's Collège section arrived at a sixth-grade class last Friday in a state that prompted concerns over intoxication, leading to the isolation and evacuation of the classroom.

The incident unfolded around midday, when the teacher struggled to erase the blackboard and an overpowering alcohol smell spread beyond the classroom into the corridor, according to sources close to the events. Staff and students grew alarmed, prompting swift action to isolate the room. The Servei d’Urgències Mèdiques (SUM) and firefighters intervened, evacuating the pupils for their safety while the teacher was removed and attended to. She also reported cardiac issues at the time.

Lycée director Olivier Salvan addressed the matter on Wednesday, describing it as a "lamentable" episode—the first of its kind at the school. He confirmed the teacher's contract has ended and she no longer works at the centre, though he declined to specify whether she resigned or was dismissed. "I won't say if she left on her own or was removed," Salvan said, adding, "We ensured the problem was resolved and she would not face other pupils."

Salvan exercised caution on the intoxication claims, noting it was "complicated to be sure" about alcohol presence. He stressed the preventive response prioritised pupil welfare, and acknowledged the emotional toll: "It has been tough, with many emotions involved." The teacher had handled prior substitutions without issues.

Earlier reports had highlighted the intoxication suspicions and ambulance involvement, details now corroborated with added context from the school's response.