School interventions lowest since 2007

Graphic: ODT
Graphic: ODT

The number of Otago schools requiring Ministry of Education intervention remains at its lowest level since 2008.

Statistics released by the ministry under the Official Information Act show there were eight interventions at eight Otago schools in 2009. That number has dropped to four during the past two years.

The lowest previous number of interventions was two in 2007.

During 2015, a limited statutory manager (LSM) was appointed to East Otago High School (April 30-present), Tarras School (March 24-October 22) and Waikouaiti Primary School (August 27-present); and a specialist adviser was appointed to Wanaka Primary School (May 8-October 15).

Nationwide, there were 47 ministry interventions involving 46 schools during 2015.

Ministry of Education sector enablement and support deputy secretary Katrina Casey said there were 144 state and state-integrated schools in Otago, and the vast majority of those operated successfully.

However, a small number sometimes encountered difficulties that could not be resolved without help.

‘‘The specific circumstances and causes of those difficulties will vary between schools, but problems can include relationship breakdowns, employment disputes, financial concerns and curriculum provision.

‘‘We always support school boards to resolve issues themselves, and only intervene as a last resort when we have reasonable grounds to believe that the operation of the school or the welfare or educational performance of the students is at risk.''

Ms Casey said a statutory intervention could provide new expertise and a fresh perspective to issues a school had been struggling to resolve.

‘‘The objective of the statutory intervention framework is to intervene at the lowest level possible to address identified risks, and to build board capability so support can gradually be withdrawn as the board demonstrates sufficient capacity and capability to sustain positive change.

‘‘The ministry is responsible for ensuring that schools operate effectively so that students have the opportunity to achieve to their full potential.

‘‘Our focus is always to help the school return to full self governance as soon as possible so it can concentrate on teaching and learning.''

A specialist adviser is a particular person or organisation, tasked with helping a board of trustees with a particular issue.

An LSM works with an existing board and the principal in carrying out aspects of the governance role that are vested solely in them.

The highest level of intervention the ministry can impose is a commissioner. In previous years, a commissioner has been appointed at some Otago schools to help with leadership and decision-making on all issues related to the functions, duties and powers of a board of trustees.

Ongoing interventions would continue until the outcomes sought had been met. The ministry conducts annual formal reviews of all interventions.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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