MEDIA RELEASE Saturday June 9 2007
FROM NZEI TE RIU ROA For Immediate Use

Primary Principals Meet To Vote On Claim For Fair And Reasonable Pay

Primary principals will meet to vote on a proposed $35 million claimfor fairer pay and paid sabbatical leave at 108 paid union meetings being held by their union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, throughout New Zealand over the coming fortnight (Monday June 11-Friday June 22nd) (1)

NZEI President Irene Cooper says the claim aims to put in place significant changes to principal pay, and to more fairly reflect the complex and demanding role of principals. It is also a response to difficulties schools face in recruiting and retaining principals, she says. Currently fewer than seven percent of teachers aspire to be principals, and nearly a third of principals are within ten years of retirement.

"Being a principal can be wonderful, challenging, exciting, isolating and demanding - but never boring. It is a key leadership position in schools and in our wider communities, and the pay and sabbatical leave need to more adequately recognise this," she says.

Depending on the size of school, the claim seeks a pay increase of between 5% and 18%. The increase would also reinstate a sensible margin between the base salary of a small school principal and the top rate of a classroom teacher. A further 4% increase per year for the second and third years of the proposed agreement is also sought, along with 200 sabbatical leave positions of 10 weeks durations, up from a current 40.

"Sustaining principals' energies and supporting their professional learning is critical if we are to retain principals and make their role more attractive for future recruitment," Ms Cooper says. "Professional development and enhanced recognition for school leaders in an increasing complex world is a key investment for New Zealand society."

Notes:
(1) Paid Union Meetings
Under the Employment Relations Act 2000 every union member in the country is entitled to attend two paid union meetings a year, during work time, to discuss important issues. All boards of trustees and principals have been given advance notice of dates to facilitate any school planning required, and in some areas after-school meetings will be held to create options for principal attendees.

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