Principals need more incentives
SCHOOL HEADS ROLL CALL
THE HIGH number of principal vacancies across North Queensland schools has prompted calls for further incentives to attract senior educators to the regions.
There are 17 schools across the North Queensland Region with an acting principal, according to the Department of Education.
Of these, three schools are awaiting advertisement and two are in the middle of the selection process for a new principal.
Opposition education spokesman Jarrod Bleijie said it was “crucial” schools had a principal at a time when Queensland schools were not meeting national learning benchmarks.
“It is completely appalling that 17 schools in North Queensland are without a principal,” he said.
A Department of Education spokesman said the timing of advertising for the three vacancies would occur “as soon as practicable” for the affected school communities.
The spokesman said per- NORTH Queensland state schools with acting principals ( as of March): Airville: Principal on leave Ayr: Principal on leave Bluewater: Awaiting advertising Bowen: Principal on leave Dajarra: Selection process being finalised Forrest Beach: Undertaking alternate duties Giru: Undertaking alternate duties Greenvale: Awaiting advertising manent principal vacancies occurred as a result of retirement, resignation and promotion, while temporary vacancies were as a result of staff on leave or performing alternative duties.
“The number of permanent principal vacancies in Queensland state schools has not changed significantly over time with turnover rates comparable to other education jurisdictions,” he said.
The spokesman said there was “no shortage” of experienced staff applying to work in the region.
Queensland Teachers Union president Kevin Bates Hayman Island: Principal on leave Homestead: Principal on leave Hughenden: Selection process being finalised Maidavale State School: Awaiting advertising Pentland: Principal on leave Prairie: Principal on leave Scottville: Undertaking alternate duties Townsville Community Learning Centre: Principal on leave Weir: Principal on leave said temporary arrangements to backfill positions of principals were necessary due to a legal obligation to have an “accountable officer” in every school to fulfil the legislative requirements of the Queensland Education ( General Provisions) Act.
“The QTU supports processes to ensure that periods of higher duties for principals and other school leader positions are kept to a minimum duration,” he said.
“However, some individual entitlements do require longterm temporary vacancies and, consequently, long periods of higher duties.”