Board behind besieged principal
THE board of an elite Tasmanian school is in the firing line over its support of the school’s headmaster.
Union members at Launceston Church Grammar conducted a vote of no confidence against headmaster Richard Ford last Thursday following months of malcontent at the school. The members have called for Mr Ford’s dismissal.
With board chairman Nigel Bailey making it clear that Mr Ford had the board’s full support, staff will now look to conduct a no-confidence vote against the school board.
Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania assistant secretary David Brear said it was hard to believe the board supported the headmaster after a “three-peat” of no confidence motions.
“Staff and parents can’t believe the board won’t act. Staff are now considering a motion of no confidence in the board,” he said.
“This is not being driven by the union, these concerns come from staff and now parents seem to want to jump in.
“Calling for the headmaster to be sacked is extreme stuff and not something these teachers would call for lightly.”
Major issues outlined by union members since earlier this year included poor morale and a lack of consultation.
Earlier this year, the board said a culture survey would be undertaken to allow for a “warts and all” appraisal of the situation.
Mr Bailey said the survey was conducted by an experienced and independent provider, with the results being collated for presentation to the board, executive and staff.
“Eighty-two per cent of staff chose to complete the survey,” he said.
However, Mr Brear said staff thought their input into the survey was ignored.
In documents seen by the Mercury, staff raised concerns over the survey’s questions being too broad and ambiguous. Mr Bailey said the result of the no-confidence motion and course of action being taken was disappointing.
“The board and the headmaster will not be distracted and will remain fully focused on the immediate priorities of continuing the superb education of our students, and the wellbeing of students and staff,” he said.