Hillcrest Christian College ‘investigating’ two staffers, parents say what about principal?

A Gold Coast Christian school dogged by controversy has launched ‘an independent investigation’ – but angry parents believe it is targeting the wrong people.

A GOLD Coast Christian school rocked by allegations of staff bullying has launched an ‘independent investigation’ – while praising the man at the centre of the scandal.

Hillcrest Christian College made headlines last month after two high-profile managers were stood down amid claims of bullying levelled against principal Jeff Davis.

In a statement issued to the school community, the board of directors informed stakeholders an ‘independent investigation’ was being carried out in to allegations against the two stood down staffers, but there is no mention of any investigation in to the claims against Mr Davis.

Instead, the memo praises Mr Davis for his ‘strength and faith during this challenging time’.

The statement drew anger from some fed-up parents.

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One parent, who declined to be named, expressed disappointment in the board’s statement.

Board statement praising Hillcrest Christian College principal Jeff Davis angers parents.

“All parents want is honesty and we are clearly not getting it based on these statements from the College board that basically say nothing and ignore the multiple bullying allegations against the principal,” the parent said.

The Independent Education Union has called for an independent investigator to look into allegations of staff bullying at the college after the Chief operating officer and human resource manager were suspended.

The State Government’s Non-State School Administration Board is also investigating complaints about the school’s operations, while the college’s long-term chairman was dumped at a heated annual general meeting last month after the principal’s son and wife prevented board members and church members from entering the room.

The State Government’s Non-State School Administration Board is also investigating complaints about the school’s operations.

The board has also engaged lawyers to ensure the school is ‘acting in full accordance with the law and in line with our Christian values’.

“The College Board is continuing to address the issues that have been raised in the media and by members of the College community, and we aim to have them resolved as quickly as possible,” the statement said.

The State Government’s Non-State School Administration Board is also investigating complaints about the school’s operations, including its relationship with the I Love Reading initiative, a subsidiary of the college.

The Courier-Mail has contacted Hillcrest for comment.