Kimberley College: Headmaster Paul Thomson and three family members sacked

THE headmaster of Kimberley College and three members of his family have been sacked from their positions at the controversial Brisbane school.

Ousted Kimberley College principal Paul Thomson with wife Jennifer

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KIMBERLEY College principal Paul Thomson has been sacked along with wife Jennifer, daughter Amy and son-in-law Kevin Ferguson.

The four family members were issued letters regarding their termination yesterday morning from the board of the private school south of Brisbane.

READ THE LETTER SENT TO THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY

It comes following a six-week investigation by The Courier-Mail that has revealed serious concerns about the school’s finances. According to a letter sent to the college community by board chairman Paul Wilton, the family was given the opportunity to respond to ­forensic accountants GT Advisory and Consulting’s report by last Friday, however they had not.

Ousted Kimberley College principal Paul Thomson watches his grandson play soccer in Brisbane with wife Jennifer and daughter Amy Ferguson. Picture: MEGA

Other daughter Deborah Horn did provide a ­response and remains ­suspended pending the ­investigation.

It follows “company members” from the college holding a ­private meeting for parents on Monday night, which was manned by security.

In his letter, Mr Wilton said the board of directors continued to work on resolving the

“Director Penalty Notices” issued by the Australian Taxation Office.

“The results and findings of the review … will be provided to the ATO to address the issues raised in the notices,” it read.

“The review will also recommend necessary changes to board and management governance and the ­financial management systems operating at the college.

“The directors will consider their positions on the board as part of this process.”

The Thomsons’ daughter Amy Ferguson

Husband Kevin Ferguson

Mr Wilton said that recent weeks had been challenging for the school community.

“We are confident today’s decision is a decisive step in dealing with these challenges so that ­Kimberley College can move forward positively with the support of the community and government, with a sustainable future,” the letter read.

“The deputy heads Chris McAlpine and Ystyn Francis will continue in their leadership roles, with the support of Mike Millard.

The positions of principal, financial controller and HR manager will be advertised shortly.

“The board will also implement changes to the board composition and process following receipt of a governance report from Minter Ellison Gold Coast,” the letter read.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Mr Thomson had dedicated his life to education and always put his students’ needs first.

The Thomson family and Mr Wilton did not want to comment.