Communities to get a say in principal selection

The Newman Government has today announced changes to the recruitment process for school principals, giving parents and communities a greater say in who runs their local school.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the importance of school principals in the success of a school could not be underestimated and it was vital that the recruitment process was transparent.

“The Newman Government has a relentless focus on achieving better student outcomes,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We want to make sure that principals are well matched with their school communities and there is a greater talent pool to select from. 

“Principals drive the success of our schools, which is why it is so important that we have our best and brightest at the helm and meeting the expectations of the community.”

Mr Langbroek said under the old process a panel was responsible for matching principals with vacancies without formally consulting the community and knowing the needs of the school.

He said vacancies would now be advertised throughout the year and any principal could apply.

“The new process will deliver more applicants and allow school P&Cs and councils to have direct involvement in principal recruitment,” he said.

President of the Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association Andrew Pierpoint said he was very supportive of the new process, especially for principals in rural and remote schools.

“This policy allows for principals to apply for positions on a rolling basis that suits their professional and personal needs - they don’t have to wait for an annual process,” Mr Pierpoint said.

“I think that it is extremely valuable for local communities to have input into the selection of their principals, particularly in rural and remote schools.

“It is important, however, that principal selection panels have consistency across the State to ensure continuity in the selection process.”

President of the Queensland Association of State School Principals Michael Fay also expressed his support for the changes.

“The new process will allow principals to apply for vacancies as they occur as opposed to a process that doesn’t target particular schools,” Mr Fay said.

“Hopefully this will result in a reduction in the number of acting positions. In addition, experienced principals can still be involved in the selection process, which is highly desirable.”

Mr Langbroek said the Department would work with principals in regional and remote areas to make sure they were still considered for transfer after doing their regional service.

“I expect that regional service will still be taken into consideration as part of the recruitment process, to ensure that principals who seek to work in metropolitan areas after a long stint in the bush still have that opportunity,” he said.

[ENDS] 3 February 2014                                        

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652