Education
With regard to the appointment of acting principals at the Heathfield High School:
(1) Whether the appointment of the acting principals has been formally communicated to the school and a formal letter of appointment has been given to the school governing body and the senior management team; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, including (b) when was the letter issued and (c) by whom;
(2) whether the acting principals have attended any meetings of the school, including SGB meetings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details, including the (a) number and (b) dates of meetings attended;
(3) what are the detailed cost breakdown associated with the appointment of the two acting principals, including their (a) salaries and (b) other related costs?
9. My department of the following:
[1] Yes
[a – c] The School Governing Body [SGB] was informed at a meeting held on 6 June 2022 with the Head of Education. The SGB was informed that two curator principals have been appointed to the school. One principal was appointed to guide curriculum matters, and the other will deal with the professional management and governance of the school. The primary focus was to ensure that learners’ right to learning continues and that teachers are able to teach a safe environment.
Formal approval was granted for the appointment of two caretaker principals in a formal submission by the Head of Education as per his delegated powers in terms of the Employment of Educators’ Act. The period of approval is for 1 June 2022 to 31 December 2022.
[2] Yes
[a] 2
[b] 14 June 2022 – Curators attended but the meeting failed to take place as a member of the SGB questioned the legitimacy of the curators’ participation.
4 July 2022 – An SGB meeting took place on 4 July and was attended by the curator principals.
[3] [a] The combined remuneration for the two appointees is R718 329 for 7 months.
[b] The remuneration is based on the prescribed salary determinations as per the Personnel Administration Measures for Educators and based on a Post Level 4 grading of the principal’s post for Heathfield High School. The remuneration cost includes 37% in lieu of benefits as the two officials were appointed on contract.
