Thames High School has sought Ministry of Education support for its board, but the reasons for the intervention remain unclear.
The ministry appointed a limited statutory manager (LSM) on June 30, after it concluded a “scoping period” at the school.
The LSM’s role is to provide additional governance support and expertise to a school board.
A Gazette notice initially said the LSM would oversee employment and health and safety compliance responsibilities.
In a letter sent to parents on August 7, the school board confirmed Ted Benton as the LSM.
The board said Benton had been appointed to oversee health and safety, employment, as well as finance and policy responsibilities.
Benton was previously the principal of Northcote College for more than 11 years and Glenfield College for nearly 10 years.
He also spent two years as an education manager with the Ministry of Education, leading a team supporting more than 100 schools and 200 early childhood education services across South Auckland.
Since then, he has worked as an educational consultant and statutory intervention specialist, supporting schools to strengthen governance and organisational capability.
The board said the school’s financial position remained stable.
“The appointment does not reflect any concerns regarding the school’s financial viability,” the letter read.
The board said Benton’s role was to provide additional governance oversight, guidance and support, while the board continued its broader governance responsibilities.
There would be “no changes to the school’s daily routines” because Benton was working in a governance role.
“The board retains its primary duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and will continue working closely with Ted throughout this process.”
Why was the LSM appointed?
The reasons for the intervention remain unclear.
Ministry of Education director of education for Waikato Marcus Freke previously told the Waikato Herald some schools “develop areas of concern they cannot resolve without outside help”.
Freke said that the school board reached out to them for assistance, and the ministry only intervenes as a “last resort”.
He said the ministry was initially only providing the school board with “specialist help” before the LSM was confirmed.
When asked what prompted the intervention and what specialist help was included, Freke said the appointment had been made to help the board with its “ongoing development to strengthen its governance practices and support students”.
Freke said ministry interventions were intended to bring expertise and a fresh perspective.
“The aim of any intervention is to return the school to self-governance as soon as possible.”
There are currently 13 schools across the Waikato with an LSM.
Thames board
When asked what prompted the school board to seek ministry assistance, Alia Finn, presiding member of the board, referred the Waikato Herald to a social media post and an email sent to the school community.
The post confirmed the LSM appointment, but said it would not replace the day-to-day management or governance of the school.
“Teaching and learning programmes, student support services and school activities will continue as normal.”
The LSM will collaboratively work with the school’s board, principal and leadership team.
The board said it remains “committed” to ensuring students receive high-quality education in a safe and positive learning environment.
“We view this appointment as an opportunity to further strengthen our systems, processes and governance practices for the benefit of our school community.”
Finn said the board was looking forward to working alongside the new LSM to ensure the school was “strongly placed to serve the needs of our students and community, now and into the future”.
Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne.