The involvement of Madeleine Hawkesby as limited statutory manager at Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has come to an end.

Madeleine confirmed today that her 12 month assignment at MAC is now complete, and that the college’s board has again assumed full responsibility for the governance of the college. 

“I have enjoyed my involvement with the college and I feel confident that the board is now well placed to move ahead and exercise its full responsibilities,” Madeleine said.

The Christchurch-based employment law and HR specialist was appointed by the Ministry of Education last year after a challenging period for the school: A critical Education Review Office (ERO) report had identified MAC as a ‘developing’ school; two groups of parents had raised concerns over leadership issues; and two members of the school’s board resigned, along with longstanding principal Wayne Bosley.

See also: Statutory manager appointed to MAC

Following her appointment, Madeleine consulted widely to put together a comprehensive action plan.

Madeleine helped the board appoint MAC’s new principal, Nicola Jacobsen. PHOTO: Supplied

Over the past year, the focus has been on achieving the objectives in the action plan which included a review of the college’s policies and improvements to internal and external communications.

Madeleine confirmed MAC had faced a difficult period and congratulated the board, the staff, and the wider school community for the positive changes that have been made since her appointment last May.

Madeleine said she was confident the board is now “well placed to move ahead and exercise its full responsibilities”. PHOTO: Supplied

She had also worked with the board to appoint the school’s new principal, Nicola Jacobsen, who started in her role in January this year.

MAC board of trustees chair Dr Ian Hall said he welcomed the return to full self-governance and thanked Madeleine for her advice and assistance. 

“I can assure the community that the board has gained much from the advice of the statutory manager,” Ian said. 

“We now feel well placed to assume full responsibility for the college again, and we are positive about the future of the college and our students.”