Education taskforce ‘in listening mode’
The head of the taskforce that reviewed ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’ says they are not out to attack school boards of trustees.
From this week the public will get the chance to have their say on the radical education proposals at a series of meetings around the country, starting in New Plymouth on Thursday.
Taskforce chair Bali Haque, of New Plymouth, said the proposal to give some responsibilities held by the boards of trustees to education hubs was likely to be the most debated.
‘‘There is real wisdom in our communities and we want to tap into that wisdom,’’ Haque said. ‘‘Sometimes more high-profile people get more air time than others so that’s why I want to hear all the voices.
‘‘We’re in listening mode. This is by no means a done deal,’’ he said.
The Tomorrow’s Schools Review was released in December and recommends central hubs replace Ministry of Education offices and oversee 125 schools each.
Other proposals include getting rid of intermediate schools, an equity index for funding and principals being permanently employed by the hubs and contracted to a school for a five-year term (which could be renewed).
Much of the backlash against the proposals has focused on the establishment of education hubs that would take over some of the responsibilities currently carried out by each school’s board of trustees.
A group of Auckland principals believe the proposals will ‘‘destroy’’ schooling in New Zealand.
But Haque, a former principal, said those who had concerns should make sure they had read the proposals completely. He also believed fear of change was driving some of the anxiety about the proposals.
He said the taskforce were not trying to bring about the demise of school boards, but give them more room to focus on their schools and what was best for them.
Too often boards were ‘‘reinventing the wheel’’, and the proposal would allow some of their responsibilities – such as property management and health and safety – to be taken off their hands. ‘‘We’re trying to enhance the role,’’ Haque said.
‘‘Education’s always controversial. There’s always a wide range of opinions so we don’t expect we’re going to get 100 per cent support.’’
Twenty-six consultation meetings will be held around the country until March 27.
The first meeting will be held at New Plymouth Boys’ High at 7pm on Thursday.