Rangiora High School Board of Trustees Dissolution – Statement

The following can be attributed to David Turnbull, who is chair of the Rangiora High School Board of Trustees, until 10am today when a Commissioner will be gazetted.

Further to media reports relating to a Commissioner being appointed at Rangiora High School, I would like to confirm that the issues the Ministry of Education believes necessitated this action, relate to Governance issues which require particular expertise to address including the establishment of sound policies and procedures in the area of school governance, employment and finance.

The issues do not relate to the welfare of students; they relate to policy and governance matters. They do not involve any financial impropriety. This has been communicated to staff, caregivers and parents and it is important that I reiterate it here. The Principal remains responsible for the day to day management of the School.

It has been made clear to the Board of Trustees, by the Ministry of Education that the issues they are looking at stem from matters relating to the previous Board of Trustees, and with such a large number of new Trustees appointed at the elections last year, the Ministry felt additional support in the form of a Commissioner was appropriate. We want what is best for our students and school, and therefore we as a board support the further assessment of the policy and governance matters by a Commissioner. However we look forward to returning the school to self-governance as soon as possible, as that is in the best interests of students, staff and the school as a whole.

Rangiora High School is a proud school with much tradition and success behind it, and a lot more accomplishment and achievement in front of it.

Ends