Narara Valley High School Principal Michael Gibson sacked

The principal of a Central Coast high school has been sacked after a lengthy investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour at school-related events.

The P&C of a Central Coast high school has finally been told the fate of their principal who had been stood down for much of last year pending the results of a lengthy investigation.

The NSW Education Department has terminated the employment of Narara Valley High School principal Michael Gibson after little more than a year in the job.

Gibson was transferred to Narara on a points system from Nyngan High School at the start of 2019.

Narara Valley High School principal Michael Gibson transferred from Nyngan High School. Picture: supplied

However it was alleged his management style upset a number of the teachers.

The Express Advocate has been told an investigation was launched following complaints in relation to a staff party and another end of year event in late 2019.

Mr Gibson was stood down as principal and put on special projects pending an investigation while an acting principal Samoan Forrest was appointed.

The investigation was delayed by COVID-19 disruptions last year but Mr Gibson’s employment was terminated in the last week of Term 1 this year.

The school’s P&C met for the first time on Monday night for its annual general meeting where members were informed of the department’s decision.

Narara Valley High School principal Michael Gibson has been sacked following a lengthy investigation by the Department of Education. Picture: supplied

Parents and teachers have been frustrated with a lack of transparency surrounding the dismissal and how long the investigation took.

However Narara Valley High School P&C president Joanne Gates said parents were fully supportive of acting principal Ms Forrest.

“As far as the parents are concerned at the school Samoan is the principal, she has done a fantastic job and she always will,” Ms Gates said.

“The kids idolise her, they think she’s amazing and that’s all there is to say. She’s a brilliant lady and a brilliant principal and the school’s great, the school’s a better school for Samoan and the only way is forward.”

Narara Valley High School principal Michael Gibson transferred from Nyngan High School. Picture: supplied

The Express Advocate put a series of questions to the Education Department including seeking confirmation Mr Gibson’s employment had been terminated, how long the investigation took, whether he remained on full pay during the investigation and whether his termination made him ineligible to apply for a principal or teaching role at another public school.

However a spokeswoman for the Department declined to respond.

“The school is operating as normal under an Acting Principal, with no disruption to teaching and learning,” she said.

“Matters concerning departmental employees are confidential and therefore it is not appropriate to comment further.”

Extensive attempts to contact Mr Gibson have been unsuccessful.