12 August 2004 Media Statement

Limited statutory manager for Cambridge High

Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today he is directing the appointment of a limited statutory manager (LSM) for Cambridge High School to assume some functions of its board of trustees, in the interests of the school's students.

“The LSM will help the board address a number of issues that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has identified during its investigation into assessment in the school. These include risks to the education of some students and to the operation of the school that need to be urgently addressed.

"The interests of the students are paramount and I did not want to delay any action further than necessary because of this. I have directed the Ministry of Education to appoint an LSM to support the school. It is not realistic to expect any board to have the in-depth expertise in curriculum assessment practice necessary to address the areas of concern. "

The LSM is being appointed under section 78M of the Education Act 1989. When an LSM is appointed to work on a particular aspect or aspects of the board’s governance role, the board remains in existence.

The LSM reports regularly on progress to both the board and the local office of the Ministry of Education. The day-to-day management of the school remains the responsibility of the principal.

The Education Act 1989 (the Act) allows for a range of six different statutory interventions that provide various levels of support to a school, depending on need.

Under statutory intervention, a component or components of the board’s responsibilities are temporarily removed from the board and are vested solely in the LSM. The LSM is selected because of the skills required and their compatibility with the school environment.

The main purpose of the intervention is to promote positive sustainable change in the operation of a school, safeguard student welfare and learning outcomes and ultimately return the school to full self-management.

ENDS

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