Launceston Grammar parents ‘extremely concerned’ over school leadership conflict

Launceston Grammar parents are speaking out about the conflict among ‘furious’ staff and leaders after a third motion of no confidence against headmaster Richard Ford. THE SHOWDOWN >>

• Staff calls for immediate removal of Grammar headmaster
• Principal apologises to staff after two votes of no confidence
• Principal under siege at elite Tasmanian school

STAFF members aren’t the only group raising concerns over conflict at an elite Tasmanian school.

In a letter seen by the Mercury from Launceston Grammar parents, who wish to remain anonymous, the group wanted to ensure their views on the school’s discontent were heard.

“Teachers and staff at our school have been consummate professionals. They have compromised their own welfare and have masked their despair for the sake of our children,” they said.

“We cannot continue to let them down.”

Earlier this year the school’s leadership came under fire over low staff morale and a lack of consultation and communication from school leadership.

Staff have since threatened strike action and called for an overhaul of leadership, with criticisms levelled at headmaster Richard Ford.

Launceston Church Grammar Principal Richard Ford.

Last week teachers undertook a third vote of no confidence against the embattled headmaster Richard Ford, however he remains fully backed by the school’s board.

Staff met with the independent Education Union to discuss staff welfare on Thursday night.

The group of parents said they witnessed the selfless acts of staff members daily.

“We need to see this in equal measure from our board and our leadership,” they said.

“Students in the upper echelons of the school require additional support in these uncertain times. The infighting is unnecessary and distracting.

“Let us all stand together and back them unreservedly, rather than engaging in public negative discourse.

“We have a golden opportunity to right these wrongs and build a bright future.

“An adversarial approach serves none of our interests, our children least of all.”

Launceston Grammar. Picture: Supplied

Independent Education Union assistant secretary David Brear said staff were “furious” at the response of the school board after the recent no confidence motion.

“They say staff morale is at an all time low and that this is essentially a staff welfare issue and the Board should act,” he said.

Members at Thursday’s meeting requested the arrangement of a workplace health staff welfare survey to be conducted of staff, and that a report of the survey’s findings be commissioned and sent to the board.

“It is really unusual for staff to pass such strong motions against their school leadership but at this school it’s happened three times. The Board should be asking why.”

Board chairman Nigel Bailey said in a letter to staff on August 6 that the board was “steadfast and united” in its support for Mr Ford.

“The Board and Headmaster will not be distracted and will remain fully focused on the immediate priorities of continuing the superb education of our students, and wellbeing of students and staff,” he said.

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