'Let Independent Panel Hear Teachers' Complaints'

Questions have been raised about a proposal by a government-appointed task force allowing teachers to file complaints about their schools to an independent panel under the Education Bureau.

Under the current system, staff can complain to the school itself or to the bureau. This system came under criticism after the death of a primary school teacher from a school in Tin Shui Wai in March, which raised concerns about pressure facing teachers.

The task force, originally reviewing the school-based management policy at local schools, expanded its scope and also looked into the complaints mechanism available for teachers.

The task force said on Monday the independent panel, which currently reviews grievances from parents, students and the public about the daily operation of schools, could also look into complaints from teachers.

The task force's chairman, Tim Lui, said he hopes this would make the reviews more credible and objective.

Lui said the review panel comprises 12 people, including some from the education sector. But he was unable to name members in the body.

The lawmaker representing the education sector, Ip Kin-yuen, said the panel lacks transparency and more information should be made available.

Among the other recommendations made by the task force to improve the quality of school governance include training for school supervisors and managers every year, more school visits by education officials, steps for early detection of possible mismanagement and measures to guard against abuse of power by school headmasters.

Ip said the review on the school-based management policy was a good first step but more still needed to de done. He said the recommendations made by the task force were not comprehensive enough.

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