Craig Smith, who is also commissioner at Waitaki Boys’ High School, said the statement made by Ministry of Education deputy secretary of sector enablement and support Katrina Casey earlier this week was accurate and there was nothing he could add.
"Every year, the ministry reviews a school’s projected roll and the teaching resources that it will pay for," he wrote in an email.
"The board of trustees then needs to consult with staff and manage the funding and staffing resources for the following year.
"As part of my role, I make the employment-related decisions for the board of trustees. The funding readjustments will have a minimal effect on the school’s operations."
The Otago Daily Times reported on Tuesday the school’s board of trustees made the request for the intervention to help manage any potential perceived conflicts of interest and the ministry’s aim was to return the school to full self-governance.
Mr Smith was appointed limited statutory manager on November 6. Oamaru North School has not replied to an ODT request for comment.
