Tokoroa High's troubles result in board quitting

The board of troubled Tokoroa High School has quit after months of problems including complaints of staff bullying and financial mismanagement.

The resignation of the five trustees will take effect on Thursday and a commissioner is likely to be appointed immediately by the Minister of Education.

Principal Elgin Edwards was suspended in November, but was back on the job last month after he gained interim reinstatement from the Employment Relations Authority. He was appointed last June after 10 years as deputy principal.

Rumours have been rife in the small South Waikato town about conflict at Tokoroa High between Mr Elgin and a group of staff thought to be behind publicity alleging Mr Elgin was bullying staff members.

At least seven teachers resigned from their positions during the last two terms of last year and in December 15 of 38 fulltime teaching positions were still not filled.

In July, a fire destroyed a quarter of the school's classrooms.