Columba College Faces Turmoil as Trust in Board Erodes

Tensions are escalating at Columba College in Dunedin following the unexpected departure of Charissa Nicol, the former principal who was placed on leave in July 2023. The situation has left many within the school community frustrated and seeking answers from the board of trustees, which has cited privacy concerns for its lack of transparency regarding Nicol’s absence.

In a recent communication, the school confirmed that Nicol, who started her role in early 2023, would not be returning. The announcement thanked her for her “passion and drive,” but did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding her leave. This ambiguity has fueled discontent among staff, leading to a motion of no confidence against both the board of trustees and the board of governors, as detailed in a letter from members of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA).

The letter, leaked to the Otago Daily Times, expressed frustration with the boards’ handling of the situation, stating that their actions have “severely damaged the trust and working relationship that must exist between boards and the staff.” The boards are responsible for different aspects of the school’s governance, with the trustees overseeing strategic direction and educational outcomes, while the governors manage the school’s special character and physical property.

Graeme Riley, the presiding member of the board of trustees, acknowledged the concerns raised but emphasized that less than 50% of the school’s staff are members of the PPTA. He argued that a non-unanimous vote from this group does not warrant calls for the removal of board members or the appointment of a limited statutory manager. He added that the boards were surprised by claims that the majority of staff supported Nicol, despite union members having expressed “full confidence” in her leadership multiple times in recent months.

Riley also recognized the emotional toll the situation has taken on staff and reiterated the boards’ commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with the PPTA. “We want to meet and engage with them to find a pathway forward,” he stated, while stressing that the boards made decisions based on legal obligations and expert advice.

The PPTA branch has indicated plans to seek support from the Ministry of Education for the appointment of a limited statutory manager. This intervention would represent a significant reputational setback for Columba College. For such a measure to be implemented, the Secretary for Education or the Education Minister must have reasonable grounds to believe there is a risk to the school’s operation or the welfare of its students.

In an email to staff last week, acting principal Aaron Everett, speaking on behalf of Riley, acknowledged the “challenging time” and proposed a meeting with the boards to address staff concerns. However, on the day of the scheduled meeting, Marianne Parks, the college’s general manager, stated that board members had not had enough time to properly consider the questions sent in advance.

Riley accepted that the turbulent months had impacted staff morale. “On a personal level, the boards have also found the past few months difficult,” he noted. “We have made decisions based on our legal obligations with the best interests of the college at heart, not individuals.”

As the school year approaches its conclusion, the boards are focused on maintaining stability and good governance amid the ongoing challenges. The situation at Columba College serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in educational leadership and the importance of clear communication in building trust within school communities.