1 Oct 2014

Ministry to act over Waitaki Boys'

5:00 pm on 1 October 2014

The Ministry of Education is to intervene in a troubled South Island school.

Two reports on Waitaki Boys' High School have highlighted a breakdown in communication between the board and senior staff.

A report by education consultant Cleave Hay pointed to a culture of bullying, significant staff turnover and division among teaching staff.

After the first report the ministry gave the board time make improvements.

However the latest report, prepared by former Waitaki mayor Alan McLay and the former principal of John McGlashan College, Michael Corkery, pointed to problems with governance, forcing the ministry to intervene.

The ministry's head of sector support, Katrina Casey, said the ministry was giving the board time to work through its issues, but could no longer wait as the second report sugggested that no improvement had been made.

Ms Casey said options included appointing a statutory manager or commissioner. She would meet the board of trustees on Monday and a decision will then be made.

Waitaki Boys' High School.

Waitaki Boys' High School. Photo: Waitaki Boys' High School website