Bag's Rants

Why do we shoot down these people?

The report into on of our most succesful head teachers came out after a three year investigation and recommended no criminal charges. It was on our local news last night and the lady in question gave a convincing explanation for her actions in spite of the news guys continual chasing of a single point. 'Do you regret any of your actions?' Of course she does now but probably not what you want to hear. They get a 'Yes' and then ask 'If you agree, as you have done, your actions were suspect, why should you keep your job?'

This woman took on an underperforming school. Brought in people she has worked well with before and in 10 years turned it into one of our most successful schools. She was rewarded for this by being made a Dame and a nice wage hike.

Then three years ago someone blew the whistle and accused her of nepotism. That started a three year investigation that discovered;
1) She hired her sister. Ten years ago.
2) She hired another friend. Ten years ago.
3) She paid a friend consultancy money for work. Work he was qualified to do and he did a good job at the market rate.

How much did a three year investigation cost? One that took way too long. One that concluded that damning criticism was due and that was serious and continuing lapse of judgment. But, could not recommend prosecution. Let's face it the facts are these and she had an answer for every one. I suspect the only one she would have done differently was the consultancy but the costs were said to be the same as other quotes so it was clearly not fraudulent.

She, and the others, have been suspended for a year on full pay. The local authority has taken over the running of the school. I wonder how they faired during that time. Probably not a lot of difference because it takes time for these things to filter through. I'm fairly confident it won't be in a +ve way though.

Now the governors are reviewing the situation. I would imagine that they would be happy with a school that was doing so well when others are going the other way. But, people are finicky.

I'm sure there will be other schools who will pick up her contract if they let her go. Actions speak louder than words and she has shown what she can do.

posted by Bag @ 4:01 pm