Cambridge High back on track

Cambridge High School, which has previously been at the centre of controversy, has received a glowing report from the Education Review Office (ERO).

The report, released to the school following completion last week, indicates a significant change since the dissolution of the school board and resignation of principal Alison Annan last year.

Mrs Annan resigned following controversy about the school's management, teaching practices and alleged staff bullying.

A critical ERO report released late last year highlighted problems, including disharmony between teachers and low morale, and said the board of trustees didn't have the capability to address the problems.

The then education minister, Trevor Mallard, stepped in and dissolved the board and commissioner Dennis Finn was appointed to take over the school's management.

Mr Finn today said he was pleased with the report and with the position Cambridge High School was now in.

"This (report) puts the school back on an extremely sound footing. As it indicates, the documentation is in place, the serious issues have been addressed and the school is now in a position where it can return to community governance."

Mr Finn said he had written to the Education Ministry outlining his belief the school was ready for a new board of trustees to be appointed.

He said he expected that would happen by the end of March.

While the report largely outlined positives in the school's operation it indicated there was still room for improvement in some areas.

It cited a lack of clear expectations for learning among year 9 and 10 students and stressed the necessity for ongoing improvements and goal-setting for the school's Maori curriculum.

Teachers also needed encouragement to widen their skills in terms of teaching strategies.

Mr Finn accepted the issues outlined and said they were being worked on.

"What I take from that is that ERO is simply saying this is not a time for Cambridge High School to put their hands on their heads and think they can sit back ... "

The lack of a library and access to information technology was one of the main criticisms of the school last year and Mr Finn said the development of a new library had gone a long way towards addressing that.

The general education structure for students had improved and staff morale was high, Mr Finn said.

"It has turned around completely. We've got a high level of morale, there is an openness ... people no longer need to feel that they can't approach any of the management of the school.

"It's the result of a whole change of culture quite frankly."

Following the appointment of a temporary principal in the wake of Mrs Annan's departure, Mr Finn appointed Phil McCreedy to undertake the role permanently in July.

He credited the school's improved position to the new senior management team.

Mr Finn's position as school commissioner ends a week after a new board of trustees is appointed.

- NZPA