EDUCATION ACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 February 1933, Page 4

EDUCATION ACT

IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS DISMISSAL OF TEACHERS [From “The Mail’s” Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, This Day. Several important new provisions are contained in an amendment to the Education Act introduced in the House by Governor’s message tins morning. Power is given the controlling bodies of schools to summarily dismiss teachers for gross misconduct or to suspend them for neglect; of duty. A teacher who has been guilty of neglect of duty or of wilful disobedience of a lawful command may be suspended by an education board, the governing body of a technical, secondary, combined, or intermediate school, or, in the case of a teacher employed in a public school, by a school committee. Boards and governing bodies are empowered also to peremptorily dismiss any teacher for immoral conduct or gross misbehaviour. Except with the consent of the Minister teachers so suspended will be debarred from receiving salary for the period of suspension, and in the case of dismissal from receiving salary for any period subject to discharge. Notice of suspension or dismissal, together, with a full report of the circumstances, is to be forwarded to the Minister and the right of appeal is provided for. Where boards or governing bodies are satisfied of guilt in charges not involving immoral conduct or gross misbehaviour, a fine up to £5 may be imposed and the amount deducted from the teacher s salary.