In the wake of the appointment, the school’s deputy principal and an assistant principal have resigned from their positions, but LSM Cleave Hay said their departures were not related to the ministry’s intervention.
Mr Hay was appointed on November 7, for his extensive governance experience and a high level of skill in employment and communication management.
He will work with the board and principal in the areas of financial management, employment and communication.
While he will have the ability to make decisions on these areas, the board will retain responsibility for all other matters such as property, curriculum and health and safety.
Mr Hay said he was unable to comment on the board’s situation until he had finished scoping out the issues.
Ministry of Education south leader Nancy Bell said the majority of schools operated successfully, but a small number developed difficulties or had unanticipated events that they could not resolve without outside help.
"We always support schools to resolve problems themselves and only intervene as a last resort when there is risk present at the school that cannot be addressed in any other way.
"Where we do step in, an intervention aims to bring expertise and a fresh perspective."
She said the aim of any intervention was always to return the school to full self-management as soon as the recommendations of the intervention had been met.
"We monitor all school interventions closely as we will be doing with Bathgate Park School."
In a letter to parents, Mr Hay and the board of trustees said the school had accepted the resignations of assistant principal Lisa Yorke and deputy principal and board representative Barbs Dinnissen.
"Lisa has won a position at the University of Otago, inspiring the next generation of teachers," the letter said.
"Lisa has been an important part of the development of Bathgate Park School.
"She has been a leader for the arts, kapa haka, te reo Māori, sports and supporting the wider school in her role as assistant principal," it said.
"Barbs is moving on to become a deputy principal at Sara Cohen School.
"Barbs has contributed to the development of PB4L, supported our learners and their families in her role as Senco [special educational needs co-ordinator] and has admirably stepped up into the role of acting principal when needed."
Both resignations would take effect at the end of the school year.
The letter said the board and the limited statutory manager would now start working through the employment process to find a suitable replacement.
"Our goal is ensuring a seamless transition that continues to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for our tamariki."
