Gang tensions in troubled school

TROUBLED SCHOOL: Gang tensions have continued to rise in Kaikohe since the arrest of 13 people in May (pictured), with tensions now spilling into Kaikohe Intermediate and threatening to sound a death knell for the school. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Gang tensions in Kaikohe have spilled over to the local intermediate school where the government appointed commissioner admits concerns around safety are valid and the school is in danger of closing.

Kaikohe Intermediate commissioner Larry Forbes said that, while the gang tension was an issue, it was just one of many factors impacting the negative student behaviour.

Now the future of the troubled school hangs in the balance with local principals likely to ask the Ministry of Education for a formal community-wide review of the school.

"There are just a hardcore group of students that are particularly challenging and that's had a big impact on everybody," Mr Forbes said.

Some students struggled to leave their gang affiliations at home with gang rivalry occasionally becoming an issue, Mr Forbes said. When something gang-related happened within the community the impact was felt within the school.

In May a mid-afternoon confrontation between rival gangs at a Kaikohe service station led to 13 people eventually being arrested over the violence.

Police have also been called to the school on many occasions recently, including two months ago after a former staff member reportedly sent students to verbally abuse teachers and destroy property. The main safety concern at the school was the physical violence between students, Mr Forbes said.

"I think it's always been there but I think it's come to a head lately."

As the school had taken a tougher stance in recent months the behaviour had improved, he said.

Police acting senior sergeant Pat Davis said they were working with other agencies to assist with the school's needs as required, though declined to comment on any specific issues.

Ministry of Education head of sector enablement and support Katrina Casey said a limited statutory manager was appointed in 2013, with Mr Forbes taking over governance at the school a year ago.

The Education Review Office report which sparked the intervention found risks to operation and educational performance. There were no discussions with the community about shutting the school at this stage, Ms Casey said.

"We remain committed to supporting the school as it resolves its difficulties and we are also available to talk to parents or members of the community who may have concerns."

The intermediate, along with the two local primary schools - Kaikohe East School and Kaikohe West School - and Northland College sent out a survey to parents at the end of last term. It came after the principal formally resigned after being on leave for six months.

Mr Forbes said before advertising for a new principal it was an opportunity to gauge public opinion. "What it may trigger, I think, is once that information is collated is there should be a review carried out across the whole community," he said.

Parents were given five options including closing the intermediate, expanding the other schools or expanding the intermediate to a middle school. Mr Forbes said since the survey many people had come forward supporting the school. "There is a mandate for change but what that change may look like is open for discussion."

Northland College principal Jim Luders said the surveys received so far, which were due back next week, did not yet paint a clear picture of what parents wanted.