Union chiefs have raised concerns about a “toxic culture” at a high school in Dumfries, warning that the situation could potentially push staff members to walk out. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teachers’ union has cautioned that strike action is looming at North West Community Campus due to ongoing issues with poor decision-making and management failures at the school over the years. Despite a vote of no confidence in the school’s management this summer, the union criticises Dumfries and Galloway Council’s education leaders for their lack of decisive action. The vote of no confidence, submitted by secondary teachers on July 1, faced a delayed “weak response” from the council after 100 days.
Andrew O’Halloran, the secretary of the Dumfries and Galloway branch of the EIS, expressed deep disappointment in the council’s inadequate response to the vote of no confidence. He highlighted the recurring issues of a toxic culture, flawed decision-making, and senior management failures at the school that have been repeatedly brought up to no avail. O’Halloran stated that the council’s inaction has left staff members with no choice but to consider industrial action to challenge the toxic environment within the school, emphasizing that morale is low among members who feel disheartened by the lack of response.
The North West Community Campus, which replaced several previous schools in 2018, faced immediate closure shortly after opening due to health and safety concerns. It reopened in April 2019 after remedial actions were taken following incidents where staff and pupils were injured. A council spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised by the EIS and indicated that efforts are underway to work closely with the school’s staff and the union to find a mutually agreeable resolution. The council’s education and HR departments are committed to engaging with colleagues to address the issues highlighted at the North West Community Campus.
A report from last December revealed that the North West Community Campus is operating at only 63% capacity as parents opt to send their children to other schools, with over 600 pupils from the catchment area attending elsewhere. The situation at the school continues to be monitored closely as efforts are made to address the challenges faced.
In summary, union chiefs have sounded the alarm on the toxic culture at a Dumfries high school, warning of potential staff walkouts if the issues are not addressed. Despite a vote of no confidence in the school’s management, concerns around poor decision-making and management failures persist, prompting the consideration of industrial action as a means to challenge the prevailing environment. The council has been urged to take decisive action to rectify the situation and improve staff morale at the North West Community Campus.