| 1. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) recently issued Circular 0013/2006 of 23 February 2006 to emphasise the importance and urgency of the filling of principal posts at new schools. However, it is not always possible for the WCED to fill these posts in time for when the schools open their doors for the first time.
|
| 2. |
To ensure the smooth opening and running of new schools in cases where permanent principals have not yet been appointed, circuit managers are expected to make arrangements for the appointment of acting principals at these schools.
|
| 3. |
The filling of vacant principal posts in an acting capacity at new schools should be done with care in order to select a capable person who is able to especially manage the opening and establishing of the new school well.
|
| 4. |
For the purposes of fairness and transparency and in order to select the best possible candidate for the post, the WCED has decided on the following procedure to be followed during the selection process:
|
| 4.1 |
The senior circuit manager, together with an interviewing committee consisting of the following persons, will be responsible for the recruitment and selection of a suitable candidate:
The senior circuit manager (chairperson)
The responsible circuit manager
One other circuit manager from the relevant EMDC
A staff member from the relevant EMDC to serve as secretary
Union representatives (observer status only)
|
| 4.2 |
The following must be done when advertising the post:
|
| 4.2.1 |
The post must be duly advertised by sending the advertisement via e-mail to schools under the control of all the education management and development centres (EMDC's) and / or be advertised in the local media (if affordable) to afford interested educators the opportunity to apply. Please note that in this regard the measures as stipulated in Resolution 08/2001 of 13 December 2001 of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) are applicable ( Circular 45/2002 of 24 April 2002 has reference).
|
| 4.2.2 |
Only applicants on the rank of Deputy Principal (post level 3) with the exception of head of departments who already acted as principal will be considered. If possible, the applications of retired principals will also be considered.
|
| 4.2.3 |
The advertisement must provide a job description of and the responsibilities attached to the post.
|
| 4.2.4 |
The requirements for appointment as to the number of years of experience and Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV) attached to the post remain the same as indicated in the departmental vacancy lists that are issued from time to time.
|
| 4.2.5 |
The criteria set for the post must be clearly stated as determined by the particular needs and uniqueness of the school and the community it serves.
|
| 4.2.6 |
A closing date for the receipt of applications must be given to applicants and no late applications may be considered.
|
| 4.2.7 |
The advertisement must also include the details of the senior circuit manager to whom the applications must be sent.
|
| 4.3 |
A list of all applicants who applied must be drawn up and sifted by the circuit manager.
|
| 4.4 |
The interviewing committee must interview not more than 5 applicants and then identify the successful candidate, whereupon the senior circuit manager will approve the acting appointment of the candidate in terms of the existing delegations applicable to acting appointments ( Circular 0045/2002 of 24 April 2002 has reference).
|
| 4.5 |
After finalisation of the above-mentioned process, the senior circuit manager must return all the necessary forms to the office of the Director: Personnel Management (Educators) as soon as possible.
|
| 5. |
The acting principal will be appointed for periods of six calendar months at a time until the post is filled permanently, and will have to sign a contract to this effect, in which case the appointment will be effective from the beginning of the term before the school officially opens.
|
| 6. |
Please also note further that in the case where there are no excess educators at a school, the school from which the educator will be temporarily transferred will receive a post level 1 substitute and any person acting in the temporarily transferred educator's post will receive an acting allowance in accordance with Resolution 8/2001.
|
| 7. |
It will be appreciated if the contents of this circular can be brought to the attention of all interested parties.
|
SIGNED: J.H. HURTER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:10:19
|