Hillcrest Christian College board orders ‘independent investigation’

An “independent lawyer” has been hired by embattled Gold Coast private school Hillcrest College to investigate a series of complaints against its besieged principal.

Hillcrest Christian College on the Gold Coast.

THE “concerned” board of an embattled Gold Coast private school says it has launched an “independent” investigation into complaints against the principal after months of turmoil.

The Hillcrest Christian College board met Thursday night to discuss the crisis but says besieged principal Jeff Davis continues to have its support.

Hillcrest has been rocked by allegations of bullying against Mr Davis, the suspension, sacking and resignations of senior staff and concerns over hundreds of thousands of dollars in school loans to a private company set up to commercialise a reading program.

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In a statement today, board director David Moyes said an “independent lawyer” was reviewing the complaints against Mr Davis ‘so that they can be properly resolved and we can put these matters behind us’.

“We hope that the review will put an end to rumours and anonymous claims that only serve to distract our staff and students,” said Mr Moyes, pastor at the Reedy Creek Baptist Church which runs the college.

In a letter to parents, the Hillcrest board said it was concerned that media reports about the college were damaging its reputation and creating an unwelcome and unnecessary distraction for the College’s staff and students’.

“The Board cannot allow this to continue,” it said.

“The Board acknowledges that it has received complaints in relation to three senior staff, one of whom is Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis. The other two are no longer employed by the College.

“The Board has previously taken initial legal advice regarding complaints about Mr Davis, which found no grounds for the suspension or termination of his employment.

“However, out of respect for Mr Davis and the individuals who have made complaints, the Board has now appointed independent legal counsel to review these complaints and provide recommendations.

“The Board continues to support Mr Davis in his role as Executive Head of College, and asks that the College community respect the process being followed in the interests of allowing the College’s staff and students to remain focused on teaching and learning in the second half of the year.”

Hillcrest Christian College principal Jeff Davis.

The board rejected reports that the State Government’s Non-State Schools Accreditation Board was investigation Hillcrest.

“The College has not been informed by NSSAB that any investigation is underway, and

the Board has no reason to believe that NSSAB is taking any action,” it said.

“Without confirmation from NSSAB, any claims of an ongoing investigation are unfounded and unnecessarily damage the reputation of the College.”

The board said the school’s I Love Reading business, set up with about $700,000 in school funds to sell to other schools, was being sold to investors because it was ‘beyond the College’s core business’.

“After the sale, the proceeds will allow ILR to fully repay its loans to the College and provide a meaningful surplus to reinvest in the school,” the board said.

“Hillcrest Christian College will continue to use the I Love Reading program as part of its Early Learning Literacy program.

“Hillcrest provides a nurturing and safe place for students and staff, and has a justified reputation for excellence in teaching and learning. As Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis has been instrumental in developing that reputation.

“The Board is very disappointed that claims made anonymously through the media and social media – rather than through the College’s established complaint management processes – have undermined Hillcrest’s good name.

“We are grateful for the continuing support of the vast majority of the College community who want nothing more than to see the College succeed, and for the efforts of staff to keep our students focused during this time.

“The Board encourages members of the College community to consider whether any further claims about the College and its staff are motivated by the best interests and values of Hillcrest.”

Originally published as Hillcrest Christian College board orders ‘independent investigation’