An independent adviser is being brought in by the Waitaki Boys' High School board of trustees to look at issues in the school.
The board has commissioned Timaru-based Cleave Hay, who has assisted schools throughout New Zealand, to carry out an issues investigation and report back to it.
Board chairman Garry McLeod said yesterday the board met this week and agreed to proceed with an issues investigation.
''This is to investigate complaints received by both the school and those sent anonymously to the Ministry of Education,'' he said.
The investigation, to be carried out by Mr Hay independently of the board, would begin next week and a full report was expected to be received by the end of June.
''Confidentiality will be maintained for those people who wish their comments to remain confidential,'' Mr McLeod said.
The investigation will centre not only on those who have made complaints, but a wider section of the school community.
Mr McLeod said the ministry was being kept informed.
Mr Hay has assisted the ministry and the New Zealand School Trustees' Association when schools have faced issues.
The board has also been dealing with a serious incident involving a senior staff member.
Mr Hay would step aside from that involvement through the trustees' association to act as an independent consultant to the board.
