Ministry moves help into Northland school

The Ministry of Education has taken over a Northland school after the school received stinging management criticisms.

Two limited statutory managers have been appointed to govern Kaikohe Intermediate School, which was slammed in two Education Review Office (ERO) reports.

The reports criticised the "fragile" board of trustees for a lack of management, poor strategic planning and little consultation with Maori and the school community.

The ERO visited the decile one school in June and August. A supplementary report out this week noted 18 areas that needed improvement.

The reports said there was "an urgent need" for the principal and the board to practice strategic planning, self-review, consultation, policy and procedural development, personnel management, health and safety, and aspects of curriculum management.

"ERO is not confident that the principal and board are able to bring about the improvements outlined in this report without significant support.

"ERO recommends that the Secretary for Education consider intervention ... in order to bring about improved performance."

The ministry uses statutory intervention in schools where student welfare or learning is at risk. It allows the ministry to step in at an early stage to support the school.

The review acknowledged that the school found it difficult to maintain board continuity and had only one long-serving parent representative as a trustee.

The board's "good intentions" were hampered by a "lack of clear guidance about their governance roles".

"These factors have caused tensions that have impacted negatively on the way that the board operates and on school development."

The reports praised the students for being "open, curious and fun loving" and talented in kapa haka and te reo, and said the teachers were "hard working and committed to teaching and challenging students".

School principal Graeme Burgess refused to comment on the review. ERO will revisit the school within 12 months to evaluate progress.

- NZPA