Controversial Glenfield College principal quits

Last year staff claimed publicly that Glenfield College principal Mel Cooper used bullying tactics. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Glenfield College principal Mel Cooper has quit - a year after his staff went public with claims of bullying, intimidation and an unsafe working environment at the school.

Mr Cooper's resignation came amid feelings that the decile 8 North Shore school would not be able to move forward while he remained at the helm.

In February a scathing Education Review Office report led to the board of trustees being sacked and replaced by commissioner Gail Thomson.

That report was prompted by claims by around half of the 120 staff of an unsafe working environment at the school and that Mr Cooper was not managing staff relationships constructively.

Speaking to the Herald last night Mr Cooper said the events of the past 12 months had played a significant role in his decision.

"I just couldn't make any progress with the attitudes of that solid group of staff, many of whom had been there for many, many years.

"The school couldn't move forward in that situation so I think it's best for the school and me to make a clean break."

Mr Cooper said it was "probably best not to comment" on whether he had been pushed out of his job. Nor would he say whether he had received a golden handshake.

Mr Cooper was appointed principal in April 2002. During his first two years he made changes that contributed to a 20 per cent roll growth and two successive surpluses in excess of $800,000.

His resignation took effect last week - although an overseas recruitment trip meant he had not been at the school since last term.

Students learned of the resignation on Friday during a special assembly. A letter was also sent to parents on the same day.

The letter also outlined the resignations of deputy principal John Parrish at the end of term three - although he had been on leave since early this year - and the pending departure of assistant principal Lyn Horspool at the end of the year.

Ms Thomson said it had been a challenging year for the school. She said the concerns of the board, principal, ERO, staff and students had been well reviewed.
As part of the rebuilding process Ms Thomson - also a limited statutory manager at the trouble Cambridge High School - planned to review the strategic plan, school systems and structures.

Mr Cooper's position would not be advertised until next year. In the interim Papatoetoe High School principal Peter Gall had been seconded to help lead the school.

Mr Cooper said it was too early to say what he would do now.

"I have got no definite plans at the moment. I think I will probably be leaving education ... I will certainly never go back to Glenfield College."

Mr Cooper said he would miss contact with the students the most. He wished students all the best for their exams and a prizegiving which is being held tonight.

Troubled year

Nov 04: Staff claim bullying, intimidation, falling morale and an unsafe work environment.

Feb 05: Trustees sacked and commissioner appointed after ERO report finds problems with the school's management.

Sept 05: Deputy principal John Parrish resigns.

Nov 05: Principal Mel Cooper resigns. Assistant principal Lyn Horspool announces plans to leave at the end of the year.