How should a school consult with staff and community?

There are many different ways a school may consult with its staff and community. The principal should ensure consultation is appropriate for the school context and staff are encouraged to be involved.

If a cluster of schools operates as Independent Public Schools, do all schools in the cluster need to take up the same flexibilities?

No. All Independent Public Schools will be obliged to work within the identified parameters. Each school within the cluster may determine if and how to apply the available flexibilities. For example, some schools in the cluster may choose to manage their own faults while other schools in the cluster may stay within the current system.

Can an Independent Public School choose to take up additional flexibilities throughout the five year Delivery and Performance Agreement?

Yes. An Independent Public School may decide to add flexibilities after the first year. For example it may decide not to start with the flexibility to manage its own relief costs in the first year and start that in the second year.

Will flexibilities be extended to all schools?

In the future, many of these flexibilities will be available to all schools.

Does my school need to take up all of the flexibilities?

Independent Public Schools are obligated to work within the identified parameters. They may determine if and how to apply the available flexibilities. For example they may choose to manage their own faults or stay within the current system.

If a school joins in future intakes, will the flexibilities and obligations be the same?

Independent Public Schools will have further flexibilities as the initiative progresses. Amendments to existing legislation or development of new legislation will be considered.

Does a school need to include which flexibilities it will take up in its expression of interest?

No, a school is not nominating to adopt the current list of flexibilities. The nomination to become an Independent Public School is to assume greater responsibility for its own affairs. Once identified as an Independent Public School, the school would then determine when, if and how to apply the available flexibilities.

Will Independent Public School staff be able to move to another school in the future?

Independent Public School staff maintain their rights and abilities to transfer to (through the central placement process) or apply for advertised local selection vacancies at Independent Public Schools and other local selection public schools.

Staff may also apply for mobility transfers but, as with all mobility transfers, agreement from all parties is required for the transfer to be enacted. Teachers at Independent Public Schools continue to accrue transfer points as per the current system.

A teacher in a country school has been in an Independent Public School but wants to return to the city after three years. How can this occur?

The teacher can apply for placement in non Independent Public Schools, which constitute the vast majority of schools in the metropolitan area. They can also apply for a position through merit selection at both non Independent Public Schools that are able to locally merit select their staff and Independent Public Schools through the merit selection process.

Public Sector Standards will be adhered to in the selection process and principals of Independent Public Schools are expected for follow due process.

What can I do if I do not wish to work at an Independent Public School, and my school chooses to become one?

Teachers and school support staff may opt for redeployment within a term of the school starting as an Independent Public School (that is, by the end of Term 1, 2010). You will have referred teacher status for placement in another school through central placement processes. Please be aware that a suitable alternative placement may not be immediately available.

Will redeployees have an opportunity to work at an Independent Public School?

Redeployee teachers and school support staff may apply for positions at Independent Public Schools through local selection processes. They will not be considered for priority placement in Independent Public Schools.

How do I apply for long service leave, leave without pay and other leave?

All leave applications for teachers and school support staff will be considered by the principal at the school site. In the first instance the school will be required to backfill the vacancy. Central office support to backfill the vacancy may be sought when required.

Can teachers still use the K–10 syllabus materials?

Yes, teachers will have full access to these and other curriculum support materials.

I am a graduate teacher – will I still be supported?

Yes, graduates will still participate in the Graduate Teacher Program coordinated by the Professional Learning Institute and receive all entitlements.

Can I still access Department organised professional learning?

Yes, this will still be available to Independent Public School staff.

Can I still access the ICT help desk, employee support services, etc?

Yes, this support and other benefits of being part of the Department of Education and Training are outlined in the prospectus.

Will registrars be supported to take on the additional human resource and finance responsibilities?

Yes, an induction program for school registrars/business managers will take place in Term 4, 2009. Support will always be available from the Financial Services and Support Directorate rather than through existing district arrangements. Funding to provide additional administration support in each Independent Public School will be provided in the one-line budget. Funding will be in notional dollars for up to one FTE (Level 2 Ministerial Officer) per school. Each school can expect to receive between approximately $25 000 and $50 000 a year.

Will an Independent Public School staff the school with the same positions as my school now?

Independent Public Schools will have the flexibility to determine their staffing profiles. This may mean the number or type of teaching and school support positions will differ as a school becomes an Independent Public School.

Will an Independent Public School 'spill' positions?

No, an Independent Public School will not spill staff positions.