But that will not be happening, the representatives say.
Tensions have run high at the prestigious Dunedin girls’ school since former principal Charissa Nicol was mysteriously placed on leave in July.
Teachers were kept in the dark as to the specific reasons behind her extended absence and the board has repeatedly cited privacy issues to explain its silence.
Last month, the school emailed staff and parents to confirm Ms Nicol, who only began in the role in 2023, would not be returning, thanking her for her "passion and drive".
A letter from Columba’s PPTA union members sent to the school’s board of trustees and board of governors this week — leaked to the Otago Daily Times — outlines the extent of the discontent among some staff.
It said members had passed a motion of no-confidence against both boards — the trustees being responsible for strategic direction and educational outcomes, the governors retaining control over the school’s special character and physical property.
"It is the opinion of the branch that the actions of both boards have severely damaged the trust and working relationship that must exist between boards and the staff," the letter said.
Board of trustees presiding member Graeme Riley said employment issues sat with the board, but recognised the issues raised by union members.
"However, while respecting this, less than 50% of the school’s staff are PPTA members. A vote, which was not unanimous, from this group is not grounds to call for the removal of the boards nor the appointment of a limited statutory manager," he said.
The board had described being "surprised" at the suggestion the majority of staff stood in support of Ms Nichol, but union members said they had expressed "full confidence" in the former principal three times within two months.
Mr Riley acknowledged the upset of some staff but stressed employment issues needed to remain confidential.
"We are committed to maintaining a productive relationship with the PPTA and want to meet and engage with them to find a pathway forward," he said.
"What we need to be clear about, is that the boards made decisions with expert advice and guidance and took into account all their legal obligations as employer."
The PPTA branch said it would be seeking the support of the Ministry of Education and backing the installation of a limited statutory manager, a drastic intervention that would come as a massive reputational blow to Columba.
For such a measure to be undertaken, the Secretary for Education or the Education Minister must have reasonable grounds to believe there is a risk to the operation of the school or to the welfare or educational performance of its students.
The ODT has also obtained emails sent to staff last week by acting principal Aaron Everett (on behalf of Mr Riley) acknowledging the "challenging time" and proposing a meeting with the school’s boards.
The sit-down was scheduled for Tuesday and questions from staff were sought in advance.
But on the day of the scheduled meeting, Columba general manager Marianne Parks said that because questions had been sent through over the weekend, board members had not had sufficient time to "properly consider" them.
Mr Riley accepted the turbulent times had taken a toll on staff but stressed the board members had not been immune.
"On a personal level, the boards have also found the past few months difficult. It has not been easy to navigate and none of us wanted to be in this position, but we have made decisions based on our legal obligations with the best interests of the college at heart, not individuals," he said.
"The boards are a highly skilled and hard-working group and we are doing our best at a difficult time to maintain stability and good governance as we head towards the end of the year."
