Essington school board drama

CRACKS have emerged within the board of the Essington International School amid a rift about the direction of the top private school

Nathan Reichstein is the new chairman of the Essington School board

CRACKS have emerged within the board of the Essington International School amid a rift about the direction of the top private school.

A disgruntled board member has raised concerns with the NT News about the influence the board has on the day-to-day operation of the school.

It is understood tensions were heightened further by an article in yesterday’s NT News quoting 20-year veteran principal David Cannon.

It is understood a board meeting will be held next week where several issues are expected to come to a head.

“I don’t like what’s going on,” the board member told the NT News.

“The principal should be allowed to do his job. It is not the board’s role to be the school principal. We are not experts in that area. I am dismayed at what is happening.

“I can’t see any sense in it.

“Some on the board seem to have an agenda, which I am not happy about it. I feel intimidated and worried about what is looking more and more like an out-of-control train wreck.”

The board member refused to provide more detail but told the NT News they now questioned whether they want to remain a member of the board and would spend Christmas contemplating their role.

“I really do not know if I want to be there with some of those people … maybe I’ll tell you more about my reasons after I make a final decision,” the board member said.

Other Essington school board members declined to comment when questioned by NT News about a rift in the board, with one saying it was “none of your business”.

“This is a confidential matter for the board to discuss,” they said.

The chairman of the board Nathan Reichstein, who was elected this year, said he was not aware of any conflict within the board.

“We have an active and passionate board and CEO who work hard to ensure the best interests of our students and teachers,” he said.

Mr Reichstein, who is also the director of Moore Stephens NT, refused to comment on whether the board’s next meeting would address issues with Dr Cannon, as the meeting’s agenda had yet to be finalised.

“As chairman of the board, I am not aware of David Cannon being excluded from this meeting, and neither is David,” he said.

Other members of the board are Dr Cannon, former school principal Chris McCabe, Migration NT deputy director Pompea Sweet, Hannon Group director Mick Hannon and Cairns Industries owner Kym Cairns.