SASSLA support Sue Burtenshaw V DECS

6 October 2011

School principal Sue Burtenshaw, the South Australian State School Leaders Association (SASSLA) and Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers have welcomed today's findings from the Teachers Appeal Board.

The Board ruled that the decision made by the Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) to permanently transfer Ms Burtenshaw from Coober Pedy Area School was unjust and unreasonable.

The Board also said Ms Burtenshaw came across as a passionate and dedicated person who brought a number of positive attributes to the job.

We have no doubt she was extremely competent in a number of areas and that given some appropriate support and guidance and the removal of unhelpful interference by others her tenure as principal of CPAS would have been successful and uneventful.

Ms Burtenshaw said today's decision was positive and hopes to return to her position as principal of Coober Pedy Area School.

SASSLA president Jeff Wait said, "We've been able to offer ongoing support both professionally and personally throughout this long ordeal, and to see this result handed down is really positive for Sue, her family and of course our association.

School leaders have to be strong in lots of ways, we have to deal with many situations where there is confrontations, different points of view, and that's exactly what has happened here,Mr Wait said.

To view the full media release from Sue Burtenshaw click here

To view the ABC news story click here