Statistics released by the ministry under the Official Information Act show there were eight interventions in Otago schools alone during 2009. That number has dropped to just one across Otago and Southland this year.
Previously, the lowest number of interventions in Otago was two in 2007.
Ministry sector enablement and support deputy secretary Katrina Casey said there were six interventions in Otago and Southland schools last year, and the one intervention approved this year was at Mount Aspiring College.
A limited statutory manager (LSM) was appointed on May 28 to manage employment and the board of trustees’ communications, as well as advise the board on board policies and procedures.
Madeleine Hawkesby was appointed as LSM after a series of events concerning the running of the school.
In late 2019, the school received a critical Education Review Office report; in March this year, a group representing about 80 parents met the board of trustees and agreed there was a need for change; and in May, three parents anonymously wrote to Ministry of Education Otago and Southland education director Julie Anderson, saying they had no confidence in the school’s board of trustees and the principal to resolve issues at the school.
Sixty-nine parents subsequently signed the letter.
Then-principal Wayne Bosley resigned on May 25, after more than 20 years at the school.
Ms Casey said the intervention was still in place.
"Interventions are used to address risks, so there is no particular reason why one year may see more interventions placed than others.
"In some instances, review of an intervention shows that the level of intervention is no longer required, and a lesser intervention needed as issues are worked through."
During 2020, interventions at other Otago and Southland schools were revoked because their issues had been successfully resolved, she said.
"There are only currently three active interventions across Otago and Southland — Mount Aspiring College (placed in 2020), Carisbrook School and Strath Taieri School (both placed in 2019), and all three have made good progress since their appointments."
Ms Casey said the majority of New Zealand schools operated successfully and only a small number of schools had difficulties they could not resolve without help.
"The difficulties will vary between schools, but can include such things as relationship breakdowns, employment disputes, financial concerns and curriculum provision.
"We always support school boards to resolve issues themselves and only use statutory interventions as a last resort, when schools need help with operational risks or risks to the welfare or educational performance of their students.
"When we use statutory interventions, we support schools to address the identified risks and to build board capability."
