Kilkenny principal faces inquiry
Education Minister Mary Hanafin has appointed retired Department of Education assistant chief inspector Torlach O’Connor to conduct the inquiry following requests by Co Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee (VEC) to suspend the school head.
Kilkenny Vocational School has been the subject of a number of critical reports in recent years. But Cathy McSorley has rejected claims of unsatisfactory performance as principal.
The inquiry has been set up following a High Court order last year, after Ms McSorley sought an injunction preventing her suspension.
Mr O’Connor has the power to summons witnesses to appear and give evidence. The time-scale of hearings has to be decided.
He is to inquire into the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to effectively apply the school’s disciplinary policy and her alleged engagement in the bullying of staff members of the VEC. He will also inquire into:
* The alleged failure of Ms McSorley to comply with the lawful orders of the VEC as directed from time to time by the chief executive;
* The administration of the school by Ms McSorley with regard to recording of the roll-books in the school and the supervision of a foreign trip by the school in February 2001 and
* The alleged payment by Ms McSorley to students enrolled in Kilkenny City Vocational School to attend such school.
In 2003, a Department of Education inspectorate found student numbers had dropped significantly, levels of truancy were high, and student abuse of teachers had been alleged.
