Removal of three staff sees two day closure of school
An incident at a small Taranaki school saw three staff members removed and the school closed for two days.
The Marco School board of trustees suspended one staff member and two others were placed on leave after an incident on Wednesday, February 7.
"The wellbeing of students and staff is a priority for us, as it is for schools."
Katrina Casey
Marco School, which has fewer than 10 students, lies between Whangamo¯mona and Kohuratahi, in eastern Taranaki.
While the circumstances of the incident are unclear, a police spokesperson said police had received a complaint about the alleged incident at the school and follow up enquiries were being made.
Katrina Casey, Ministry of Education deputy secretary of sector enablement and support, said they had been advised of the incident and the board of trustees had appointed an independent investigator. Casey did not reveal the nature of the incident when asked why the staff had been removed.
‘‘We were told that one staff member was suspended and two others were given leave until the investigation into the allegations had been completed and the board had an opportunity to consider the findings,’’ she said.
‘‘The wellbeing of students and staff is a priority for us, as it is for schools.’’
She said Marco School is in a small community, and finding staff to replace those on leave was a challenge.
‘‘This resulted in the school being closed for two days while staffing arrangements were worked through. The school reopened on Monday 12 February. Our regional staff have been working closely with the board of trustees and staff at Marco School to ensure the appropriate supports are in place to minimise disruption. We will continue this support for as long as necessary.’’
Marco School hung up the phone when they were asked about the incident.