Primary school back under LSM, board members needed

Oamaru North School is seeking parental board of trustees representatives as aspects of its operations continue to be overseen by a limited statutory manager.

In November 2017, Craig Smith was appointed commissioner to handle staffing decisions after the school was placed in statutory management, which was lifted at the end of the 2018 school year.

However, Ministry of Education sector enablement and support deputy secretary Katrina Casey yesterday said the school was again under statutory management and had been since November 27, when Cleave Hay was appointed limited statutory manager "with the powers to manage employment and communication functions".

“By far, the majority of schools operate successfully, but a small number develop areas of concern that they cannot resolve without outside help," Ms Casey said.

"In the case of Oamaru North, the board requested support through the appointment of a limited statutory manager to bring expertise and a fresh perspective to assist them."

Despite that, she was confident that "good progress is being made to return the school to full self-governance".

Before that happened, three parental representatives needed to be found for its board. It was elected last year through the usual triennial board election process, and a by-election was now being held to fill three vacancies that had come about following trustee resignations.

The school was also seeking a new principal, after the departure of Peter Roundhill last year. Acting Sam Winterbourn is acting principal.

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