South Australia Shadow Minister for Education David Pisoni

Another Weatherill Mess

Victor P Taffa

Premier-in-waiting Jay Weatherill will be leaving another a mess in his wake when he becomes Premier this month, after failing to support the former Principal of Coober Pedy High School and allowing her to be sacked.

The former principal, Ms. Burtenshaw, was stood down despite the Government publicly acknowledging her contribution to improving attendance, behaviour, literacy and numeracy at the school.

Yesterday the Teacher’s Appeal Board concluded Ms. Burtenshaw was unfairly removed from the school.

The judgement was damning of Local Member Lyn Breuer saying she had “publically made some very unhelpful and unfair comments that adversely reflected upon Ms. Burtenshaw”.

It went on to criticise Mr. Weatherill – “… the Minister’s office should have been more supportive of Ms. Burtenshaw’s actions in dealing with these rather recalcitrant and difficult parents.”

Shadow Education Minister David Pisoni said Mr. Weatherill must clean up the mess, reappoint Ms Burtenshaw and discipline Ms. Breuer.

“This injustice occurred on Mr. Weatherill’s watch – he has rejected improved behaviour and education outcomes and failed to show support for school leaders.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“It appears that Ms. Burtenshaw was punished for enforcing DECS’ policies on truancy and discipline that are unpopular with a vocal but apparently influential minority in Coober Pedy.”

“The Minister and local Member have given Ms. Burtenshaw absolutely no support even after she achieved significant improvements at the school.”

“Mr. Weatherill must now discipline Ms. Breuer and raise serious questions about her judgement.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“With Ms. Burtenshaw as principal, suspensions nearly halved in 2009 dropping to 31 compared to 56 when she took over in 2008.”

“Rather than sacking principals for achieving the results we all expect in our public schools Labor should be giving them the resources and support they need to do what is an important and demanding job.” Mr. Pisoni said.