An interim arrangement is being put in place now that Paul Gill has resigned from his head teacher post at Banchory Devenick School to work for Shetland Council as a head teacher.
Council officers tell me that given the historic challenges in recruitment and retention of a head teacher for the school, the authority is proposing an interim shared head teacher arrangement, with Sandra McKechnie, head teacher of Portlethen Primary School, having overall leadership of both schools.
Letters have been issued to parents/carers and staff at Banchory Devenick School and Portlethen Primary School.
I am assured that Portlethen Primary School has the necessary school management capacity to provide strong and sustainable leadership in both settings, and this will be further strengthened by the appointment of a fixed term principal teacher in Banchory Devenick School, to ensure day-to-day management presence.
Officers say the interim arrangement will be put in place for the duration of school session 2017/2018 to ensure continuity and coherence in school management and improvement planning. This will also ensure adequate time to identify and implement a permanent school leadership solution for Banchory Devenick School.
Mrs McKechnie and her management team recognise the benefits for both schools through this interim arrangement and are excited by the opportunity. They look forward to meeting and working with the school community over the next few months.