 | | Question: I am teacher-governor at a school which acquired a new headteacher in September. Teachers have been concerned about various issues, but after discussion we decided not to “make a noise” until parents started to complain. This has now happened. Another governor I’ve spoken to about this has put the ball firmly back in my court, advising that I approach the head and say how unhappy we are about the school’s leadership. Surely other governors must play some part in this?
Joan Sallis replies: You imply that the governors are also concerned – or ought to be – but give no evidence that they are. And remember they appointed the head not even a year ago and the decision of an elected panel will have been ratified by the whole governing body. That is the formal situation. It is therefore difficult to imagine them coming out in general support of staff discontent at this stage, though if parents are unhappy it is up to the governing body to discuss the particular problems with the head and try to solve them. Staff governors cannot, after less than a year, be the means of starting a general witch-hunt against the head, being members of the appointing body. In other words the approach should at this stage be confined to the calm solution of any teething troubles as they arise, not a great big confrontation.
I don’t want to make light of your concerns since I don’t know them, but I would say that it is not uncommon for staff, and parents, to dislike change, and a certain amount of adjustment to each others’ ways may be necessary. I urge you not to take too dramatic a view which could have destructive consequences.
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