Cost of intervention at Gore college made public

Of that total, the school’s Board of Trustees paid nearly $200,000 for the work done by limited statutory manager Nicola Hornsey, a lawyer, and more than $50,000 was paid by the ministry to meet Ms Hornsey’s costs for travel time and expenses under a long-distance travel funding agreement.

St Peter’s College was placed under limited statutory management in April 2023, after the school’s board and principal sought ministry support to govern the school.

Ms Hornsey’s last report in August this year, shortly before the board resumed full responsibility, said a fresh start had resulted in a vast improvement in relationships throughout the school and school community. She said the board’s induction and training would continue to be a strong focus, so all board members understood their roles.

The board’s focus had been maintained throughout the intervention and their goals to raise student learning, well-being and achievement were now being implemented, her report said.

“Staff, students and the community have welcomed the new principal’s open and frank approach and there is much confidence that the school, led by the board, is reclaiming its reputation for all-round excellence,” the report explained.

Principal Kieran Udy, who started at the school this year, was no stranger to the intervention process, having brought another school out of a similar situation, the Otago Daily Times reported. He had promised to return St Peter’s to normal operations.

When the limited statutory management at St Peter’s finished, Mr Udy said the school was not just back on track, but was pushing forward and would be stronger than ever.

“A key part was the relationship between the board and the school leadership – it’s fantastic, rock solid,” he said.

FULL STORY

Intervention at St Peter’s College in Gore cost quarter million dollars (By Evan Harding/Southland Times – subscription required)

Ministry ends statutory intervention at St Peter’s College (Otago Daily Times)