Editorial: Temporary solution

The announcement at the end of last month that Nelson College for Girls principal Christine Barlow was making a sudden exit might have been a bombshell for the wider community, but came as no surprise to anyone with a close association with the school.

Mrs Barlow, on paper an ideal replacement for the successful and long-serving Alison McAlpine, was not a good fit. She lasted less than 18 months and the now-you-see-her, now-you-don't manner of her departure is a serious embarrassment to the school and particularly its board.

Ten days later the board has announced that it is installing a temporary principal to fill the gap while it goes through the recruitment process once more, aiming to make a permanent appointment in time for the second half of next year. The acting principal, Claudia Wysocki, has an impressive history. It includes 12 years at the head of Kristin School in Auckland followed by 16 years as principal of St Margaret's College in Christchurch. The students, staff and parents can be confident that the school will be steered through this difficult time by someone who knows the role of principal well, and who is likely to be a steady hand.

The temporary solution looks like a good one. However, the brevity of Mrs Barlow's tenure, the unrest it caused and its abrupt end have marred this fine old school's reputation. All employers know that new staff don't always work out and there can be many reasons for that. The board should not be unfairly targeted now – but must get this crucial appointment right on the second attempt, or more serious harm will be done.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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