Academy Trust CEO on 'Leave of Absence' Amid West Midlands School Strikes: A Closer Look
The CEO of an academy trust at the center of strikes over potential job cuts has taken a 'leave of absence'. This development comes as staff members at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), who are part of the National Education Union (NEU), continue their industrial action.
More than 800 staff members have been on strike across 20 schools over nine days in January, and they have extended their action for nine more days in February. The strikes have caused significant disruption, but the trust has taken steps to ensure that pupils can continue their learning.
On Wednesday, an ATLP spokesperson announced that CEO Richard Gill would be replaced by Lee Miller on an interim basis for an unspecified 'period of time'. Miller, who has been appointed as interim chief financial officer at the start of the year, will now also assume the 'interim responsibility of accounting officer and CEO of the trust'.
In a statement, the trust emphasized that Miller has 'many years of experience successfully supporting other academy trusts' and is now 'focused on working productively and transparently' with trade unions to 'resolve the current industrial action as swiftly as possible'. The trust also noted that arrangements are in place to ensure that pupils can continue their learning.
Recognizing the frustration caused by the situation, the academy trust welcomed 'support and challenge', but emphasized that any challenge should be 'constructive'. The trust also called for an end to the abuse of staff on social media or in messages, urging all parties to engage in respectful communication.
The schools affected by the strike action include:
- Anna Seward Primary, Lichfield
- Coton Green Primary, Tamworth
- Curdworth Primary, Sutton Coldfield
- Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant, Witton, Birmingham
- Hill West Primary, Sutton Coldfield
- Mere Green Primary, Four Oaks
- Osborne Primary, Erdington, Birmingham
- Paget Primary, Pype Hayes, Birmingham
- Scotch Orchard Primary, Lichfield
- Slade Primary, Erdington
- St Chad's CE Primary, Lichfield
- St Michael's C of E Primary, Lichfield
- William MacGregor Primary School, Tamworth
- Two Gates Primary School, Tamworth
- The Coleshill School, Warwickshire
- The Royal Sutton School, Sutton Coldfield
- Nether Stowe School, Lichfield, Staffordshire
- Stockland Green School, Erdington, Birmingham
- The Arthur Terry School, Sutton Coldfield
- West Coventry Academy, Coventry
