Cyprus is experiencing a shortage of school directors, leading to a new tender for eight positions, according to Educational Service Committee (ESC) Chairman Panagiotis Antoniou.
Speaking to Phileleftheros about the issue that has been intensely discussed in recent days regarding shortages of managerial staff in schools and several directors remaining on secondment, Antoniou confirmed this represents a genuine problem.
The current tender for eight director positions stems from four vacant positions following the latest ESC procedure conducted during summer to cover September requirements, plus four additional positions arising from director retirements.
Summer recruitment process reveals application gaps
During the summer procedures, 31 director positions required filling. According to the ESC chairman, 34 people submitted applications for these positions, but ultimately only 27 expressed interest. Consequently, these 27 became directors, leaving four positions vacant.
Union criticism over seconded directors
Regarding OELMEK teachers’ union positions concerning directors on secondment, either to the Ministry of Education or other services, resulting in these individuals not being placed in schools despite their promotion to directorial positions, Antoniou acknowledged the organisation has legitimate grounds for complaint.
He confirmed that a significant number of directors remain on secondment arrangements.