July 27th, 2009
Head teacher accused of spending school funds for Caribbean holidays
A head teacher from a West Midlands school was reportedly accused of spending school funds for lavish trips such as Caribbean holidays. The disciplinary panel is currently deliberating on this case.
Reports stated that Susan Duncan, a former head teacher at The Meadows School in Oldbury, West Midlands, made false expense claims in order to hide her trips to Jamaica and Antigua. A fellow teacher, Margaret Simcox, was also accused.
Both teachers denied the multiple charges of professional misconduct filed against them.
The General Teaching Council, the panel deliberating on the matter, has yet to make a decision and will resume hearing by next month. The council heard allegations that Duncan made claims of purchasing items such as scuba diving gear, swimwear, handbag and computer equipment.
Both Duncan and Simcox are no longer connected with the school but could still be charged and may affect their employment in other schools.
Duncan affirmed that she and Simcox did go to the aforementioned islands but these trips were for “risk assessment” duties and not to spend the vacation. However, GTC panel presenting officer Andrew Faux said that even if the trip was job related, Caribbean holidays is still a vacation.
