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Head ousted after governors' review.....



"Published on Wednesday 3 April 2003 17:02

ST ELPHIN´S headteacher Erica Taylor has been ousted from her job following a business review of the school.

She now thinks the chances of landing another headteachers post are unlikely after being made redundant.

Her house in the Darley Dale school grounds has now been put on the market and her dispute is in hands of solicitors.

Mrs Taylor, 51, said: "Because I have only been here for two years and I am over 50, it means this will be the last school at which I am headteacher. I am very sad about that.

"I do think it is a very unusual situation and one which I have not come across before.

"To make a headteacher redundant is very bizarre."

In January, parent governors employed business manager George Tilbrook to study the school finances.

Mrs Taylor explained that he then employed education consultants Davies McLean to write a report on the school – but that she had not seen it.

She said that on February 27 a letter was sent telling her she was to go and governors confirmed the news at a meeting.

But in a statement George Tilbrook said Mrs Taylor was advised of their decision on March 5.

He said: "The governors have for some time been reviewing the future strategy of the school and the restructuring and management changes which were necessary.

"As a result the governors decided that the position of headmistress in the school should be made redundant.

"After the appropriate period of consultation Mrs Taylor, the headmistress, was advised of this decision on March 5, 2003.

"All pupils were advised and a letter notified all staff and parents on Friday, March 14.

"The school continues to operate as normal under the deputy head, Dr D Mouat."

By Matt Barlow

 

Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury


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