Government must confirm or deny reports on principals

Press Release 19 Dec 2011 – for immediate release
Attention: Education and Political Reporters

Government must confirm or deny reports school principals to be employed by Ministry

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) President, Peter Simpson, is challenging the Government to either confirm or deny today’s reports in the media that school principals are to be employed by the Ministry of Education.

‘Such a proposal comes completely out of left field and was never mentioned in the newly elected government’s manifesto,’ said Simpson.

‘If true, it would signal the end of community involvement in locally managed schools and the end of community controlled Boards of Trustees,’ he said.

Educational professionals have long played a role in analysing education policies to ensure they result in the best outcomes for children.

‘If principals were to be employed by the Ministry, they would no longer be allowed to speak out and critique government’s education policies,’ said Simpson.

‘Ordinary, decent New Zealanders would be appalled to learn that their new Government was threatening to stifle the freedom of speech of those they trust to educate their children,’ said Simpson.

‘They would also be shocked to learn that the new government, without consulting them, planned to take away their say in their own children’s education by dismantling the structures that give power to the community’s voice,’ he said.

ENDS

www.nzpf.ac.nz
www.ourprincipals.org.nz

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