“After six years of lobbying strongly for a change in the flawed old system, I welcome enthusiastically the announced changes and congratulate the Minister and Director of Education for the decision,” Mr Waldron said.

“The previous central pool system did not work effectively, did not allow for local input and caused anxiety and uncertainty in our schools and our local communities, with some schools having as many as seven principals in four years.

“There were also far too many acting positions in place, which causes great uncertainty for the school, community and the principals themselves.”

Mr Waldron said the changes would allow larger State schools to select principals locally and that when a position became vacant it would be advertised.

“Over the past six years I have raised the issues with the old system and have on several occasions called for more local involvement and input to the appointment of principals,” Mr Waldron said.

“This new system will give more input to the school principal and the local community which is so important as they have the best knowledge of what the local school requires.”

Mr Waldron stressed this new system was at this stage only for around 600 larger schools and he was yet to see the full details of the proposal. However he also welcomed the Minister’s comments that he would also implement changes to the appointment of principals for around 187 smaller schools in the future.

“While I acknowledge requirements of smaller schools may be different because of size and location I encourage the Minister to make positive and appropriate changes for these schools as soon as possible as they have suffered similarly under the old system along with the larger schools,” Mr Waldron said.

“I am heartened after highlighting these issues over the past years, that some common sense is being applied and I have no doubt the changes will benefit our schools, local communities and teachers themselves.”

Mr Waldron stressed the need for Government to seek and listen to local input and advice across the board before making decisions that could have a huge affect on country communities.

“Local involvement and input can save the Government embarrassment, costs, failed systems and projects,” Mr Waldron said. “Too often we see taxpayers money wasted simply through a lack of understanding of the local environment, its needs and required solutions.”