Moreton Bay College principal James Sloman allegedly demanded money to resign
Parents are furious after the controversial principal of two elite Brisbane schools allegedly demanded seven years’ salary to resign.
Education
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THE controversial former principal of two elite private schools allegedly demanded millions to quit after a bitter and prolonged stoush with parents, staff and the board of the Christian colleges.
James Sloman, executive principal of Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys’ College in Manly West, resigned on Friday after being on extended leave since the beginning of the school year amid an independent investigation into claims of “inappropriate, intimidating and belittling” behaviour.
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The Sunday Mail understands Mr Sloman, who lived on campus with his wife Angeline and their two sons since his 2015 appointment, demanded over $2 million – or seven years’ salary – to go.
It is unknown what settlement was reached, but a school insider said it was a significant sum.
Staff and parents are fuming at the alleged payout by the Uniting Church-affiliated schools, arguing that money should have been invested in programs and facilities for students.
“He was seeking a payout of seven years of his salary due to lost employment opportunities,” said one trusted source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“It is poor that... he should be getting rewarded.”
A parent, who declined to be named, called the situation a joke.
“We have been in limbo since last year, and our kids’ learning has suffered because of it, and now school resources are (allegedly) being used in this way,” they said.
“Parents are furious.”
Board chair Samantha O’Brien and Mr Sloman were contacted for comment but did not respond.
Mr Sloman has previously denied all allegations against him, and this year launched his own “stop bullying” complaint against the colleges with the Fair Work Commission.
In his final letter to parents, on Friday, he said he had gained “great joy and job satisfaction in working with leaders” and announced his new role with an “international consultancy collective” in the education and corporate sectors.
He also said he was grateful to the board for its belief and support, and touched by the “many, many” private messages of support in recent months.
The probe into Mr Sloman was instigated by the board last August and conducted by Q Workplace Solutions after complaints from current and former staff and parents, who were then forced to sign confidentiality agreements.
Complaints included an alleged toxic bullying culture, unacceptably high staff turnover, and students’ declining academic performance.
This is not the first time Moreton Bay College has had unwanted publicity over the exit of a principal.
In 2011 it was ordered to give former headmaster Paul Teys almost $300,000 after a lengthy court battle which began after Mr Teys had an adulterous affair with a student’s mother and left the school in 2005.