Statistics released by the ministry under the Official Information Act show there were eight interventions at eight Otago schools in 2009, and this year the number had dropped to three at three schools.
The lowest previous number of interventions was two in 2007.
Ministry of Education sector enablement and support deputy secretary Katrina Casey said a limited statutory manager (LSM) was appointed to Sara Cohen Special School this year to help resolve employment issues and complaints at the school.
''There were two interventions initiated in 2015 which were still in place at the start of 2016 in the Otago area,'' Ms Casey said.
''One of the pre-existing interventions, at East Otago High School, was revoked in September 2016. The other, [a commissioner] at Waitaki Boys' High School, is still active.''
Commissioner Nicola Hornsey was appointed at Waitaki Boys' High School in October 2014, after the board of trustees stood down in the face of three independent reports that identified serious issues at the school.
A new rector, Darryl Paterson, has now been appointed at the school, after three attempts to fill the position, and the school is making great gains.
Ms Casey said there were many forms of ministry intervention - the highest levels being the appointment of a commissioner or a limited statutory manager.
A commissioner has responsibility for leadership and decision-making on all issues related to the functions, duties and powers of a board of trustees.
An LSM works with an existing board and the principal in carrying out aspects of the governance role that are vested solely in them.
Ms Casey said the vast majority of schools operated effectively, including those in the Otago region.
Only a small number of the 148 schools in Otago encountered difficulties needing outside support to be resolved.
The circumstances and causes of those difficulties vary between schools, but problems have included relationship breakdowns, employment disputes, financial concerns and issues with curriculum provision.
''The Education Act 1989 provides for a variety of statutory interventions in schools when there are reasonable grounds to believe there is risk to the operation of the school, or the welfare or educational performance of their students.'' Ms Casey said.
''The level of risk determines the type of intervention that is used.''
Interventions can continue until the desired outcomes have been met and the appointees are no longer required.
Ms Casey said most interventions were resolved within two years.
