15 Nov 2023

Why are some primary school principals being paid less than their staff?

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 15 November 2023
3D rendering of a school classroom

Photo: 123RF

Some principals of small schools are being paid less than their deputies or senior teachers - and they fear the situation will put educators off stepping into senior roles. 

How much a principal is paid depends on how big their school roll is, but for principals at primary schools with under 150 students - of which there are 862 -  this can mean they're being paid less than some of their staff.

That's because they're not eligible for Management Units, which compensate for extra duties and responsibilities.

Kathryn discusses with Jane Corcoran, she's a representative of NZEI Te Riu Roa  - the union representing principals - and the principal of Whanganui's Brunswick School. 

She also speaks to Caro Wills, who took a $12,000 pay cut to step up to her role of principal at Mākara Model School in Wellington.