Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Row over Christchurch principal's sacking

Updated at 9:46 am on 4 November 2012

An employment law specialist and mother of a student at Christchurch Girls' High school says questions need to be asked about why the school's principal has been sacked.

Principal Prue Taylor was dismissed on Friday following what the board says was months of discontent within management, in addition to a critical report from the Education Review Office recommending the Government intervene.

But Kathryn Dalziel said parents and students have been given no information about why the principal was dismissed, apart from a "cold-hearted" email released on Friday. "There is absolutely no evidence that she has been under-performing in her role."

Ms Dalziel said a Facebook page set up in support of the principal had attracted 700 members. "Everything I'm reading online is that the students are very distressed."

Board spokesperson Peter MacDonald said there were obvious issues with Ms Taylor's communication and management style.

He said Ms Taylor has indicated she intends to fight against the decision.

Mr MacDonald says Ms Taylor is a widely respected person and there are no questions over her honesty or integrity.

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