The board of trustees at St Marys Kaikorai School in Dunedin has appointed an independent adviser to investigate the school's ‘‘unusually high'' turnover of staff.
Catholic Education Office director Tony Hanning said former Mount Aspiring College principal Mike Allison had been engaged to look at ways to improve the school and make its ‘‘operations more effective and retain the confidence of the parents''.
However, part of the mandate for the investigation was to look at the reasons why four teachers resigned from the school in 2007, and why the school was finding it difficult to retain staff in its 3.6 teaching positions. The school roll oscillated at about 50.
"It is my understanding that the board of trustees had some concerns that staff turnover was higher than might be expected normally,'' Mr Hanning said.
‘‘Late in 2007, the board sought independent professional assistance to investigate reasons for this turnover and to address any issues related to it.''
He said it was important to note that some of the teachers were relieving staff.
School holidays and preplanned overseas travel of some personnel had affected the timing of consideration of the consultant's report by the board, Mr Hanning said. ‘‘This includes giving fair and appropriate opportunity for a response from the principal.''
A former teacher at the school said he was one of four teachers who had resigned from the school in the past year. He said he left his post due to differences of opinion and personality with the principal, Carmel Chamberlain.
He declined to be named, but said he was a teacher with several years' experience and had resigned last year.
Another teacher at the school resigned just weeks later and two new teachers were brought in to replace them. The two new teachers also resigned near the end of last year, he said.
Mr Allison said when contacted his independent report was complete and he had sent it to the board of trustees chairwoman Marie Baker. Mr Allison declined to comment on details of the report.
Ms Baker also declined to comment and Ms Chamberlain could not be contacted.
An education review report carried out by the Education Review Office in March last year showed pupils at the schoo ‘‘achieved at, or above, levels expected for students of their age''. It also showed direction and leadership in many aspects of the school's operation had been provided by the principal.
‘‘The principal has also provided helpful support for new trustees [elected in March last year] in clarifying annual planning priorities and self review systems.
‘‘The board, principal and staff work co-operatively. Regular and ongoing professional development is helping to improve governance and management systems, and the quality of education for the students.''
At the time, ERO was confident the board of trustees could manage the school in the interests of the pupils and the Crown, and bring about the improvements outlined in the report.
