Governors threaten mass resignation over plans

REBEL school governors are squaring up to Town Hall bosses after being left out of crucial plans to carve up Camden’s high-performing education department.
The New Journal has learned how a mounting dispute over the way schools in Camden will be run in the future could even end with governors protesting with a mass resignation.
It is understood that some Labour governors – already concerned by the unpopular appointment of Lord Andrew Adonis to run schools on a national level – are considering scrapping their party membership amid growing discontent with planned changes in Camden.
The heated row centres on the decision by senior Labour councillors to back government plans to merge the council’s education department with social services.
In the Town Hall’s biggest ever shake-up, five departments will be funnelled into three new ‘super-departments’ and a new Children’s Director will be appointed – raising fears that the job could go to a social services expert who knows little about education.
Although government officials have ordered a 2008 deadline for when the changes must be introduced, Camden – keen to be at the forefront of national policy – has raced ahead of other local authorities with its re-organisation.
But the speed, size and nature of the giant overhaul has worried teachers and governors who say the changes could crack Camden’s much-heralded education department.
Furious governors say they haven’t been asked for their opinion even though the changes are bound to affect all schools at some stage.
They are due to discuss the controversy at a meeting tonight (Thursday) with a pool of the angriest governors already calling for a mass walkout.
Dorothea Hackman, Chairwoman of Camden School Governors, said: “Some governors feel a mass resignation of governors would be appropriate, as we are so disparaged and disregarded in this process.”
Protesters say the new director may be an expert in social services but won’t also be skilled in education matters.
They say the post must be advertised externally.
Ms Hackman added: “Governors are incensed that we were presented with a fait accompli over the restructure of the top tier.”
She added there was concern that the new director of Children’s Services “will not have sufficient educational background or credibility with the headteachers to lead the Local Education Authority”.
Derek John, chairman of governors at William Ellis School in Kentish Town, said: “If it ain’t broke, why change it? I would have thought they could have consulted us more. I’m unsure why they have chosen to change the system because nobody has clearly laid out the reasons.”
Helen Martin, chairwoman of governors at Brookfield Primary School in Highgate, said: “Some governors may feel it is a resigning matter but we have to see how it works. The director must have an education background, not a social services background.”
The government orders are part of last year’s Children’s Act which followed recommendations in the Victoria Climbie Inquiry.
Camden’s education chief Councillor Nick Smith said last night (Wednesday): “Education is a priority for Camden Council and that will not change.
“But I have always been concerned that children’s services have the right structure and there is partnership not just between the education department and social services, but with health services and the police too. Having said, it’s up to us in Camden to make the case that Camden LEA has a strong record and continuing role.”
A council press official added: “Camden Council is considering carefully the structure of the new management team to reflect these issues and the concerns of the governors. Work continues to develop elements of the second tier management structure.”