Chair resigns to build 'constructive' relationship with Prue Taylor

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Chair resigns to repair relationship

3News NZ

The resignation follows the interim reinstatement of the school's principal, Prue Taylor

The resignation follows the interim reinstatement of the school's principal, Prue Taylor

By Annabelle Tukia

The chairman of the Board of Trustees at Christchurch Girls’ High School has resigned.

It follows the interim reinstatement of the school's principal, Prue Taylor, who was sacked by the board a fortnight ago.

Frustrated parents last night addressed a Board of Trustees meeting at Christchurch Girls' High. The group were calling for members of the board who can't work with Ms Taylor to resign, including its chair, James Margaritis. Today, they got some of the news they wanted.

“James has actually stood down as chairman, but he will remain on the board until the board elections that are in May next year,” says board spokesperson Tim Priddy.

Last week, the Employment Relations Authority ruled the board's dismissal of Ms Taylor was "procedurally and possibly substantively unjustified”.

Mr Priddy says Mr Maragritis' resignation isn't an admission the board got it wrong, but will make Ms Taylor's interim reinstatement smoother.

“It gives an opportunity for some of that tension to be removed for us to work through in a more constructive and positive relationship,” says Mr Priddy, “and so I respect James for doing that.”

Mark Smith addressed the board last night on behalf of about 70 parents. He says news that Mr Margaritis has stepped down as chair is a step forward.

“If this is a signal from the board that they are restructuring themselves with a view to working cooperatively with Mrs Taylor when she returns to work, than I welcome that restructuring,” says Dr Smith.

A full employment hearing is set down for February next year.

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Comments

28/11/2012 9:48:54 a.m.

Greg wrote:

Theres a US movie about 5 bad girls running the local school, because hte mother was the principle. The child was the school head chair leader as well.

27/11/2012 9:20:42 p.m.

Ksmith wrote:

The ERA interim decision not only warns of significant problems of process but the possibility of no substantive basis for dismissal. This exposes the school to potential for substantial damages. This is appalling for students, parents and taxpayers. The ministry should put in a statutory manager. It is clear that this Board simply does not have the basic skills necessary to undertake good governance or the wisdom to see beyond themselves. There is an aFir of self referential arrogance about this board which is disturbing. For voters in the next elections, if there are any elections in the future, it may be wise to look not simply at individuals but also to ensure that individuals come fresh to the situation and not bring other loyalties, connections or baggage associated with friendship, business or work relationships elsewhere which may inhibit clear sighted, open minded and independent exercise of responsibilities.