School board asks for manager

THE Weston School board of trustees wants the Ministry of Education to appoint a limited statutory manager at the school to help it process a ‘‘staffing issue’’.

In a letter to parents, supplied to the Otago Daily Times, school board of trustees chairman Stefan Mavor said a limited statutory manager ‘‘would most likely be given full responsibility for all matters relating to employment’’.

‘‘The existing board of trustees would retain full statutory powers for every other aspect of the school’s governance. The school’s management would be unchanged.’’

Mr Mavor declined to elaborate on the letter when contacted by the ODT, but said the school community supported the board and ‘‘the learning of the students is not being compromised’’.

Ministry associate deputy secretary of operational delivery Suze Strowger confirmed the ministry had received a request for support.

‘‘We are unable to comment further about the circumstances while we are working through this process.’’

She said the ministry only intervened as a ‘‘last resort’’.

In November last year, the ODT reported Oamaru North School’s board of trustees had enlisted Invercargill lawyer Craig Smith as a limited statutory manager to make staffing decisions. On Friday, Ms Strowger confirmed Mr Smith remained in the role at Oamaru North School.

‘‘We monitor all interventions closely and are pleased with the progress being made at this school. [Mr Smith] is actively addressing the issues and is on track to achieving all expected outcomes.’’