Data gathered under the Official Information Act shows there were three interventions at three schools in 2016, but that number doubled to six at five schools in 2017.
A commissioner has been in place at Waitaki Boys’ High School since October 2014 after the board of trustees stood down in face of three independent reports that identified serious issues at the school.
A limited statutory manager was appointed to Cromwell College in March last year to deal with operational management and employment issues, as well as problems with the finances of the school’s resource teacher: learning and behaviour (RTLB) cluster.
The intervention was revoked on November 16. A limited statutory manager was also appointed to Sara Cohen School in April 2016 and remains in place to deal with employment, communications, an investigation and resolution of complaints.
The ministry imposed a further intervention at Sara Cohen School in December 2016 — a specialist adviser — to help the school’s board of trustees with "policies and procedures, ensuring there is a safe and inclusive school culture".
Both Oamaru North School and Remarkables Primary School had limited statutory managers appointed in November last year to help them with employment and communication issues. The interventions remain in place.
Ministry of Education Sector Enablement and Support deputy secretary Katrina Casey said the vast majority of Otago’s 148 schools operated successfully, but a small number developed difficulties that they could not resolve without outside help.
"We always work with schools to support them to resolve problems themselves, and only intervene as a last resort.
"Where we do step in, an intervention aims to bring expertise and fresh perspective.
"It also acts as a circuit breaker for entrenched problems, so that the focus of the school can go back on teaching and learning."
She said the ultimate aim was to return troubled schools to full self-governance.
Interventions
• A commissioner has responsibility for leadership and decision-making on all issues related to the functions, duties and powers of a board of trustees.
• A limited statutory manager works with an existing board of trustees and the principal in carrying out aspects of the governance roles that are vested solely in them.
• An additional trustee may be appointed to help a school board. The appointed trustee will only have one vote, but if appointed as a presiding trustee, the trustee will have no special powers other than to preside at meetings.
