ESC: no date yet for decision about roles within schools
TEACHING staff remain uncertain over their future in the new secondary school system and there is no timescale for when announcements will be made.
But Education, Sport & Culture said staffing decisions will be made as swiftly as possible.
ESC is currently in the process of combining the three high schools and the Grammar School to form one school across two sites, after funding for its plans was approved by the States last week. The changes have caused controversy, including over staffing of the school once there is a reduction in sites.
An ESC spokesman said there was as yet no date for when roles within the schools would be decided.
‘Now that the committee’s plans have been approved by the States, the senior leadership team of what will become Lisia School will determine the future staff structure,’ the spokesman said.
‘At the same time, the Education Office is obtaining better data about the teaching workforce.
‘Once these tasks are complete, it will be possible to make arrangements for appointing teachers to roles at the new 11-18 colleges, Victor Hugo College and de Saumarez College. This will be done as swiftly as possible and in accordance with established practices, which include working with unions and professional associations.
‘Discussions with unions and professional associations and appointments of teachers to roles will be phased.
‘This work will commence as soon as possible and be concluded as swiftly as possible thereafter, but no firm dates are known.’
Students have highlighted the issue of an increase in new staff, leading parents to believe the proposed changes are driving away teachers who have insecurities over their roles. However, ESC stated back in July that compared to the 2018 availability of 43 teaching vacancies, this year this increased by just four to 47 vacancies and the four additional posts were completely new.
ESC said it was still committed to providing every current teaching staff member who wants one a teaching job in the new 11-18 colleges.
‘Staff remaining in the same role will not see cuts in pay,’ the spokesman continued.
‘Any application process for roles in the 11-18 colleges will involve full and proper discussions with unions and professional associations and will use established and fair procedures.’
It is not known whether this means that those who cannot fill the same position level they currently have will see a pay cut.
Full integration of staff has been proposed by ESC to be implemented by the new term of 2023.
