Staff letter triggers bullying probe

The board and principal of Glenfield College face an investigation over allegations of staff bullying and intimidation.

The Education Review Office said yesterday that officials would be at the North Shore school from Monday for a "review of governance and management".

The investigation was sparked by a letter claiming that the school had an unsafe working environment, but staff were afraid to speak out for fear of retribution.

Half the teachers are said to have signed the letter, which has been obtained by the Herald.

The allegations involve principal Mel Cooper and board of trustees chairwoman Judy Aitken.

Staff say management has dismissed their attempts to raise problems.

"As a result, staff morale and confidence have deteriorated to the extent that there is open dissatisfaction and discussion about the problems of bullying and intimidation," said the letter.

Three review officers will investigate:

•Board policies, practices, communications and operations.

•Board management of the principal's performance.

•Personnel management.

•Staff safety and welfare.

The 1200-student school boasts on its website of frequently ranking in the top 20 per cent of schools nationwide for academic achievement.

But a source at the school said staff were "desperately unhappy", and about half the 120-strong workforce had signed the letter.

The board voted to call for an independent review after it received the letter three weeks ago.

The Herald understands that more staff members have since asked to add their names to the letter of complaint.

Mr Cooper, who said at the time he was taking legal advice, would not comment yesterday and referred inquiries to Mrs Aitken.

She also refused to comment except to say the board accepted the review

"and is co-operating fully".

"We await the findings of the Education Review Office."

Mrs Aitken was honoured in the Multi Serve Trust education awards this month at a ceremony "celebrating school system role models".

The accolades described Mrs Aitken, who has been Glenfield board chairwoman since 2000, as being extensively involved in appointments of staff, reviewing school policies, property planning and financial oversight.

The last ERO report on the school was in December 2001. It found the school was performing well.

That review was done before Mr Cooper's appointment.

The investigation is expected to take about six weeks.