Head ‘who claimed to be self-isolating but went on holiday’ leaves £90k post
A HEADTEACHER suspected of going on holiday while claiming to be in Covid self-isolation has left her job after 18 months of suspension on full pay.
Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed in a letter to parents that Alicia Reid, 54, would not be returning to her £90,000-a-year role at Stranraer Academy,
Wigtownshire. The letter stated that a search for her replacement was under way but it failed to clarify if she had been fired or had quit with a pay-off.
A pupil shared images of Ms Reid at Glasgow Airport about to fly to Turkey on October 7, 2021, the day she allegedly told bosses she was self-isolating after being notified as a close contact of someone with coronavirus.
The letter to parents read: ‘For your information, Ms Alicia Reid has left employment.
‘We thank Alicia for her contributions and wish her the best in her future endeavours.’
The airport sighting came after parents were repeatedly encouraged not to take their children out of school during term time. The council confirmed at the time Ms Reid would ‘not be in school for a period of time’, pending an internal inquiry.
Her role was taken over by acting head Jamie Farquhar, who is still in post. The outcome of the inquiry is unknown. The council said it does not comment on ‘matters relating to individual staff’.
A spokesman said: ‘The acting headteacher continues to provide leadership and management to the school with a focus on the needs of learners.
‘Officers will be in contact with the chair of the parent council, with a view to recruiting and appointing to the post of headteacher at Stranraer Academy in due course.’
School Leaders Scotland – the headteachers’ union – said it had represented Ms Reid but was unable to comment on whether or not she had been sacked.