A raft of issues have been identified in a scoping report released by the Mount Aspiring College (MAC) limited statutory manager Madeleine Hawkesby today (Thursday July 30).

Madeleine, a Christchurch-based employment law and HR specialist, was commissioned by the Board of Trustees in early June to complete an analysis of issues at the school, following a critical Education Review Office review last year, the resignation of two members of the board in April as well as long term principal Wayne Bosley’s resignation in May.

Issues identified by Madeleine include an “immediate need” for:

• Strategic and focused leadership.
• Increasing relational trust at all levels, including with the school community.
• Trustees to ensure functional working relationships and work together in the best interests of the school.
• Improved communication at all levels.
• A review and update of school policies and procedures.
• Plans in place to ensure staff engagement and wellbeing.
• Employment practices to be improved.

The report also signals the need for immediate support and/or review of HQ (for students with special needs), the English department, the Rutherford Scheme (for gifted students), and counselling services.

The school’s International Language Centre (ILC) is also under review by the board.

Madeleine also noted a need to ensure a planned approach to student wellbeing; for all trustees to build governance capability and understanding of roles and best practice; for the school to ensure it is meeting the needs of the school community and ensure consultation opportunities; and for the school to ensure it responds appropriately to growth.

Statutory manager Madeleine Hawkesby PHOTO: supplied 

The board will co-opt an “independent experienced chair” for a fixed term. Madeleine also noted the uniform review has taken three years. “[The] Board needs to resolve this and move forward so it can focus on other issues,” she said.

However, Madeleine said the college is in a ‘strong position’ to implement positive change.

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She pointed to the core strengths of the college which “create a solid foundation for success”. 

“This school has a sought-after outdoor pursuits programme, a strong curriculum and a dedicated teaching team. The board and senior leadership have already made positive progress over the last few weeks and I am confident this will continue,” she said.

Acting principal Dean Sheppard said the scoping report was much needed. 

“The scoping has been a way to regroup and spotlight areas within the school that need attention. Our core business is quality education, and I believe we should welcome scrutiny and be open to change in order to best serve the Wanaka community. 

“We are already well underway in many of these areas, and I am excited to move forward proactively, with expert guidance,” he said.

Madeleine has also developed an outcomes plan, with the Ministry of Education and the board.

“These outcomes will be supported by a further, even more detailed action plan which includes accountabilities and time frames,” she said. “It will be my role as LSM to report to the Ministry on a monthly basis against the achievement of this plan.”