“Middle leaders” and the PPCR
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 4, 31 May 2019, page no. 15
It’s worthwhile remembering that the Promotional Positions Classification Review is not all about principal salaries and their classification. The new structure will also establish a new benchmark for heads of program (HoCs, HODs, HOSES, GOs, etc) and deputy principals.
While the department’s report on the PPCR has a significant focus on principals, it does recognise that any adjustment to principals’ classification structure will lead to an adjustment of the salaries and classifications of those in the “middle leader” positions in our schools.
Currently, the focus is on establishing the “spine” of the structure. This “spine” aligns to what a principal classification stream might look like. Once this is agreed, then those classifications that work with school principals as part of the school’s leadership structure will follow.
Several principles for negotiation regarding the classification review were established by QTU State Council in March, including:
- the report released on 21 December 2018 is a departmental document and is not endorsed by the QTU
- parity between sectors is a principle that should be addressed in negotiations - in relation to “middle leaders,” this means that all deputy principals, irrespective of sector, receive the same remuneration, that HODs and HOCs receive the same remuneration, and that the position description of HOCs be revised to support this outcome
- reliance on evaluations using the same job evaluation methodology will largely replicate the current structure and reflect historical resource allocations
- none of the three options contained in the report is acceptable in their current form
- there should not be contracts or even s122 agreements for school leaders
- no position will go backwards in terms of remuneration
- there be no spill of positions as a result of establishing the classification structure
- no QTU member will be financially disadvantaged as an outcome of the transition to the new classification structure.
Negotiations are ongoing.