Elite Brisbane school chair’s scathing public take-down

The governing body of four of Queensland’s most elite schools has taken another hit after its chairman sent out a blistering resignation letter. But his claims of wastage and interference have now been denied.

Brisbane Boys’ College Council Chair, Mark Gray, has sent new shockwaves through the elite school’s community after delivering a blistering resignation letter.

Mr Gray said he was so dismayed at plans to ramp up school contributions, which he blamed on bloated management costs, that he had no choice but to step down.

His resignation letter on Monday is the latest blow for the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), the governing body of BBC, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School, which together employ 1000 staff.

It was involved in an alleged data breach, a secret merger report, financial mismanagement, and trips to a nude Korean bath house.

But the PMSA’s new Chair, Morgan Parker, this afternoon released a statement saying it had developed a more “contemporary’’ and efficient governance structure which had resulted in cost savings.

Mr Gray is a highly respected director of numerous high-profile companies including Data#3 and former Queensland Treasury Department and Queensland Competition Authority chief executive.

“For some time, I have been concerned about the strategic direction the PMSA is pursuing – which I believe is not in the best interests of the College,’’ he said in his email to parents and staff.

“Since a governance review was commissioned by the PMSA in 2018, its corporate office functions have expanded significantly.

“There has already been an unreasonable increase in the school contribution in 2020 to fund the PMSA Corporate Office.

Outgoing Brisbane Boys' College Council Chair Mark Gray.

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“The PMSA proposes further large increases in school contributions over the next few years to support this higher overhead cost.

“This in turn will place an additional cost burden on the College budget at a time when all schools are facing unprecedented financial challenges from the global pandemic.’’

BBC parents pay about $18,000-$24,000 a year per student, depending on their age, in fees. A portion of this goes back to the PMSA to find its operations.

Mr Gray, who was contacted for comment, took up the role as Council Chair in January last year.

He said he had taken a stand because he believed tuition fees “should be used to the maximum extent possible to provide the best educational outcomes for students and be reinvested in improving school facilities for future generations at the college’’.

Brisbane Boys' College.

He went on to claim the expansion of the PMSA had resulted in increasing intervention in the day-to-day operations and performance of BBC.

“This has the hallmarks of a move towards a systemic management model which threatens the independence of the college and its ability to function effectively,’’ he said.

“Over an extended period of time, I have put my concerns to the PMSA repeatedly without success, and I do not agree with the direction the PMSA wishes to pursue.’’

Mr Parker said the PMSA had more than 40 “highly qualified and experienced volunteer governance members’’.

“In the past, we have been publicly criticised for not operating an efficient, contemporary

organisation,’’ he said.

“In addition to our recent governance appointments, we have made significant improvements to establish valuable group capabilities.

“These reflect those demanded of a large and complex organisation as well as those of a leading education institution.

“Our group capabilities are already adding value to our schools, creating opportunities for students, reducing organisational risk and ultimately reducing costs.

“These capabilities represent roughly two per cent of the group’s total expenses.’’

Parent lobby group Beyond PMSA questioned whether the PMSA was focused on its core business, or instead getting involved in the four schools “to the extent they either affect the school’s education or their individual identities’’.

“With the expanded capabilities in head office, can the PMSA demonstrate cost savings and/or de-risking to the organisation and/or the specific schools?’’ Beyond PMSA president Chris Humphrey said.

“Does the PMSA have a plan to reduce the cost of head office over time?”

He also questioned how the email was allowed to be sent out and if this was authorised by other Council members.

One Beyond PMSA member said on the group’s Facebook page: “The lack of transparency in relation to each of the school’s financials is a concern.

“Stakeholders have consistently asked for high level info per school such as % of teacher development costs, facility improvements and yes - head office costs.

“I’m sure parents would prefer the significant fees to be directed at resources for students and teachers - particularly in these difficult financial times.

“Calls for transparency have been made since 2017 and we are still waiting.’’