Makoura College's commissioner, Tim White, is confident he can turn the beleaguered school around & if a groundswell of community support can be channelled.
"If we can harness that enthusiasm I think we can turn those letters and signatures into practical help and increase enrolments for 2009, if we can do that then the school's got a very bright future," Mr White said, referring to a student-led, 8000-signature petition, widespread community support and a website created to fight the school's threatened closure.
Palmerston North-based Mr White is a first-time commissioner. His new role was announced on Wednesday night to coincide with the resignation of the Makoura College board, from which he will take over all functions, duties and powers from today.
"A school needs governance and that's the primary task as commissioner. The second task is to investigate and explore options and opportunities for the sustainable continuation of Makoura College."
Because he lives outside Wairarapa and has no children enrolled in the region's schools he said he comes to the position with neutrality.
"I bring absolute open-mindedness to the situation.
"I don't have any vested interest, I have no preconceptions and I feel quite optimistic."
Mr White is an independent education consultant who has been a principal at schools in Dannevirke, Palmerston North and Murapara.
"All my work is in and around schools split evenly between working with boards of trustees and principals and teachers."
Mr White is a former associate director of the New Zealand Principal and Leadership Centre and has also been a school support services adviser to Massey University in social studies, science and school management and has previously worked in Masterton supporting schools after the Masterton Network review between 2006 and 2007.
"I want to make sure the school is secure and the students can study in confidence," he said.
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