Bill English National Education Spokesman
31 March 2004
Minister complicit in school's cover-up job
Education Minister Trevor Mallard has been complicit in attempts by the Correspondence School to conceal information
from students, parents and the public, says National's Education spokesman Bill English.
Allegations the school's computers were used to download pornographic material were first raised last December, at which
time the school employed a public relations firm to manage the problem.
Mr English says Mr Mallard not only approved of the school's extensive spin strategy, but his office also offered the
school advice on how to keep information away from the media.
"The Minister turned down Official Information Act requests for information by denying he held information. His
officials have today 'now located' that information.
"The documents show Mr Mallard was warned by the school that 'the number of cases which warrant disciplinary action is
high', and that 'there is no way that the issues arising from the original complaint can be considered as anything but
extremely serious'.
"It is appalling that now, four months later, we are discovering that the allegations go much deeper than the
Correspondence School was first prepared to admit," Mr English says.
"Not only are there 30 cases of computer misuse currently being investigated, but the original investigation also
involves physical relationships with two students."
Mr Mallard has refused to release a draft communications initiatives paper.
Draft briefing notes contain a risk assessment that says, 'the combination of computers, vulnerable pupils and
potentially predatory teachers is a combustible mix'.
"Yet the school has been more concerned with protecting Mr Mallard than being open and honest.
"The school's 20,000 pupils, their parents and the public deserve more than spin and platitudes.
"Mr Mallard has had to deal with bad publicity over the school network reviews, NCEA results and the truancy service -
he should know by now that honesty is the best policy," says Mr English.
MORE
Background on Correspondence School's trouble
Recent revelations show that the extent of problems at the Correspondence School is more serious than previously
thought.
In January this year it was reported that a teacher had resigned from the school after a complaint about inappropriate
material being stored on a computer, prompting an audit of all the school's computers.
Official Information Act requests and subsequent questioning by the National Party have revealed that:
* The teacher who sparked the initial investigation had a physical relationship with the complainant and physical
contact with another student.
* The audit has resulted in a significant number of staff departures by dismissal or resignation.
* Two of those particular individuals are members of the senior management team and three hold senior positions as
regional supervisors.
* Up to 30 staff are being investigated as a result of the audit.
* The number of staff are facing disciplinary action is high.
* At least four cases relating to inappropriate computer usage at the school have been referred to the Teacher's
Council.
By the assessment of both E-Crime (the forensic IT specialists in charge of the audit) and the school show the
situation is "highly unusual".
ENDS