Linwood College principal resigns
The principal of a Christchurch high school beset by conflict between management and staff has resigned.
Linwood College board of trustees has announced that principal Margaret Paiti will not be returning after her two-term sabbatical leave, with her resignation effective from October 11.
Former long-term Lincoln High School principal Linda Tame has been covering for Paiti during her term two and three sabbatical, and would remain in the position until a new principal is appointed for 2016.
In November, a Fairfax investigation unearthed conflict between management and staff at the school, which caters for nearly 700 students, in the months leading up to its request for statutory intervention. A limited statutory manager was put in place in September, and remains working with the school.
At the time, documents obtained showed the Ministry of Education acknowledged the school ‘‘could be in serious trouble’’ and a formal Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) complaint was laid.
The complaint expressed concerns about ‘‘institutional and personal bullying’’, communication, staff culture and said that the senior leadership team did not satisfactorily address the issues raised in a 2013 staff survey.
Paiti, who has led the school since 2010, was regularly mentioned in the 22-page PPTA staff complaint. It claimed she ‘‘created a climate of fear, frustration, and a highly dysfunctional working environment and in turn has destroyed her credibility and relationship with the staff’’.
At the time, Paiti said, ‘‘We’ve consulted with staff and now fully understand all their concerns. I’m passionate about this school and remain totally committed to student success.’’ She was unable to be reached yesterday. PPTA president Angela Roberts said the resignation meant there was an opportunity ‘‘for everyone to move on, progress, and fix things up’’.
‘‘Rightly or wrongly, what it does is provide opportunities for people to reset relationships and start again.’’
Board chairman Dave Turnbull said: ‘‘Obviously as a school now we want to move positively towards Linwood College being a school of choice in east Christchurch.’’
In a letter to the community yesterday, the board thanked Paiti for her leadership at the school over the last five years.
It ‘‘particularly wishes to acknowledge her commitment to the school, including the challenging period following the earthquakes’’, and introducing year 7 and 8 pupils into the college.
Linwood College gained the intermediate levels under the ministry’s reshuffle of Christchurch schools and it also became the country’s first science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) focused school.
The board recognised the work completed by Paiti to forge partnerships and relationships with the community, tertiary and business sectors.
‘‘Much of her work has been innovative and forward thinking, by introducing STEM to the forefront of education.’’
The board and limited statutory manager would begin recruiting for a principal from July, in time to lead the planning and build of the school rebuild.