Hillcrest Christian College: Dozens sign petition calling for principal to be stood down

Scores of Angry parents have signed a petition calling for the principal of a strife-torn southeast Queensland Christian college to be stood down after moths of turmoil at the institution.

DOZENS of people have now signed a petition calling for the principal of a strife-torn Gold Coast Christian college to be stood down and an independent investigator appointed.

Angry parents at Hillcrest Christian College at Reedy Creek launched the petition to have principal Jeff Davis stood down after months of turmoil at the Baptist Church-run school.

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

Board of Hillcrest College stands by besieged principal Jeff Davis

The college has been rocked by allegations of staff bullying, the suspension of two senior staff - one of whom was sacked last week - and concerns over hundreds of thousands of dollars in school loans to a private company set up to commercialise a reading program.

The State Government’s Non-State Schools Accreditation Board has been investigating multiple complaints and the Independent Education Union has called for a arms-length investigation into allegations of bullying against Mr Davis.

However, on Tuesday, the Hillcrest board publicly reaffirmed its support for Mr Davis.

It said it was considering recommendations made by an ‘external review’ of complaints “however it is very clear there are no known grounds for termination of Mr Davis’ employment”.

Mr Davis has been approached for comment.

As of this morning, almost 140 people including parents, former staff and students had signed the online petition.

Some people who organisers said were too ‘scared’ to give their names had opted to sign the petition anonymously.

Petitioners have vented their anger and frustration in the comments section.

Hillcrest Christian College principal Jeff Davis.

“As a parent I am concerned at that lack of information that we have been given,” one commented.

“I feel there is no transparency and more importantly I feel we have no voice.”

Another said ‘good friends’ and staff had been sacked or left the school.

“We have concerns for the way the school is being managed. ... parents are entitled to an explanation,” he wrote.

“We need more transparency. What is going on????? We need answers!!!

Allegations of any bullying need to be investigated independently

One woman said she had witnessed many work colleagues being bullied and treated unfairly while she was at the school

Another said they had supported an ex-Hillcrest player ‘through many months of mistreatment and bullying’.

“Nothing short of an independent investigation will be appropriate with the results made public in the interest of fairness and transparency,” she wrote.

Another petitioner commented: “No transparency, No accountability. Good students, families and staff are leaving in droves. It is no longer a Christian school. It is not a safe place to work. What a disgrace.”

In reaffirming its support for Mr Davis as the Executive Head of College, the Hillcrest Board said: “This has been a difficult time for Mr Davis and his family, and the Board appreciates his resilience and continued leadership in ensuring this process has not disrupted teaching and learning at Hillcrest.

“It is the hope of the Board that the whole College community can accept the outcome of the investigations and the ongoing follow-up by the Board and continue to focus on providing the best for all our students.”

Originally published as Hillcrest Christian College: Dozens sign petition calling for principal to be stood down