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HEADTEACHER SUSPENDED AGAIN

By Clare Wall - Friday, March 28, 2008
HEADTEACHER Linda McGowan has been suspended again from Ryde High School on fresh allegations.
The school’s governing body held an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday and had reinstated Ms McGowan but acting chairman of governors Tony Wood, on hearing the new allegations, suspended her for a second time.
A second member of staff, believed to be a teacher, has also been suspended pending an investigation into different allegations.
Rob Hoddle will continue as acting headteacher.
In a statement released today (Friday), Mr Wood said: “The governors recognise the need for Ms McGowan, and indeed all staff, to be treated fairly and professionally.
“We also recognise the need for the school to be able to move forwards with clarity and certainty. For these reasons we envisage the investigations will be completed by the end of April and the outcomes reported to the relevant parties promptly.”
The fresh allegations Ms McGowan is being investigated for are believed to be connected with personal actions, rather than an issue of procedural responsibility.
It is not connected to the Unison members’ vote of no confidence.
IW Council director of children’s services Steve Beynon said: “The acting head of the governing body has assured me he intends to resolve the matter within the next month. The council will be closely monitoring the situation to see the matter is resolved as quickly as possible so the school as a whole can move forward without any further distractions.”
• A health and safety compliance notice, which was issued to Ryde High School by the IW Council as part of the previous investigation, has been now been lifted.
• Do you think Ms McGowan has been treated fairly? Let us know via email editor@iwcp2.demon.co.uk or call our news desk on 01983 522210