The Waitaki Boys' High School board of trustees and management could face statutory intervention if they are tardy in resolving issues at the school.
While the board is working through the issues identified by Dunedin education consultant Cleave Hay in a report it commissioned, the Ministry of Education is now saying it will consider statutory intervention if it is not satisfied with progress.
That is a major change from last month, when the Otago Daily Times asked the ministry if it was considering statutory action because of Mr Cleave's report, and it did not directly answer.
Yesterday, the ministry was questioned again about concerns within the community over how long it was taking to resolve the issues and its effect on the school's reputation; doubts over the way the board was handling those and the people appointed to consider the report's recommendations; and whether it was considering statutory intervention.
It was also asked if the board was considering statutory intervention.
''If the board cannot demonstrate satisfactory action and outcomes within an appropriate time frame, we will need to consider statutory intervention support to help the school to ensure the issues are resolved,'' the ministry's head of sector enablement and support, Katrina Casey, replied.
''That action is not currently necessary and we are focused on giving the school board the opportunity to take immediate, positive action in response to Cleave Hay's report.''
No deadline had been set, but the ministry expected the school to take ''immediate action and to make measurable progress'', which it would monitor closely.
The ministry was aware of the community's views and was committed to restoring confidence in Waitaki Boys' High.
Mr Hay's report was commissioned because of the number of significant concerns raised directly with the ministry by complainants who wished to remain anonymous and were not willing to communicate with the board.
The report's contents were consistent with those concerns raised.
The board had supplied a list of people who would take responsibility for addressing the individual recommendations and time frames for completion.
The ministry had requested an action plan and monthly progress reports from the board.
The Education Review Office was at the school from yesterday.
When the ODT asked if, at the end of its visit or in its report the ERO made similar findings to Mr Hay, the ministry would act, Ms Casey said the ERO review was part of a regular cycle.
''The ERO report will provide evidence about student achievement within the school and we will take the findings into account in making any decisions about whether further support is needed, and, if so, the form that support should take,'' she said.
The board indicated in a summary of action it was seeking to address Mr Hay's recommendations by September 30 at the latest, except for those to be considered by the ERO.
Education Act 1989
Part 7A Interventions in Schools ''A range of interventions may be used to address risks to the operation of individual schools or to the welfare or educational performance of their students.''
Options available are. -
• A request for information.
• A board to engage specialist help.
• A board to prepare and carry out an action plan.
• Appointment of a limited statutory manager.
• Dissolution of a board by the minister of education and appointment of a commissioner.
• Dissolution of a board by the Secretary of Education and appointment of a commissioner.
