More woes for Tokoroa high

The Education Ministry has appointed a limited statutory manager to Tokoroa High School after it was revealed the school has been in debt for the past three years.

It follows a tough two months for the school which has had to deal with arson and claims of staff bullying by the senior management team.

The school's 12-classroom E Block was severely damaged by an arsonist on July 2. In June a mediator was called in to handle a staff-bullying claim.

Last month, the ministry appointed Hamilton chartered accountant Russell Wilkinson to help the board of trustees.

The school started this year owing $61,000 for expenses from 2003 and in mid-May this year was $174,000 behind budget.