Education Dept to become leaner

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 42

Education Dept to become leaner

PA Wellington The State Services Commission has given a strong indication of what might be in store for the Education Department of the future. A task force is due to report next March on a major review being conducted into the administration of the education system. But the S.C.C., in briefing papers to the Minister of State Services, hinted that the review would almost certainly lead to a “smaller and leaner” Ministry of Education. The papers stated that the *Mk force’s recommeadations were likely to Wlition of re»ment of boards, of the thoritief host of boards

and other bodies. • Greater administrative authority and deci-, sion making powers to individual school management bodies. “Although the establishment of a leaner head office and the abolition of regional offices is likely to lead to fewer adminstrative positions, it is not expected that the review will result in fewer jobs in the education sector as a whole,” the papers said. “It is likely, however, that there will be changes in employing authorities. “People currently employed by the department, local education boards or secondary school boards, may become employees of district education boards, or possibly school management committees. “This will clearly have industrial consequences and will involve consultation with service associations.”