Number of school interventions low says NZSTA

2 November 2005

Number of school interventions low says NZSTA

The number of statutory managers appointed to intervene in New Zealand schools is low, in line with the good governance practices of boards of trustees says the New Zealand Schools Trustee’s Association (NZSTA).

NZSTA general manager Ray Newport says less than 3.5 percent of schools (88 of 2,550) currently have an adviser, a limited statutory manager or a commissioner helping their boards.

Ray Newport says this puts into perspective recent comments around the issue of school interventions.

“This is a remarkably small number given that the task of good governance is a challenging one, and some 18,000 trustees are involved”.

“It is a matter of record that the great majority of schools in New Zealand are well managed under the current system of community based governance. This has been recognised in the past by the Education Review Office and the Ministry of Education.”

Ray Newport also points out that many interventions now occur at the request of boards of trustees. “This is a very positive development as it shows that boards are prepared to put their hands up and ask for specialised assistance where they feel they need it.”

Ray Newport says the current intervention system is fairer for boards of trustees.

“The old approach of sacking the board, whether or not it was at fault, was neither fair or helpful. The ability to use statutory managers to target a particular area of difficulty within a school or school board now enables a “scalpel” approach, rather than the previous “shotgun” approach.”

ENDS

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