Bendigo South East College principal Ernie Fleming is said to be determined to return to his job after a lengthy absence from the school.
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Mr Fleming has not been at his post for the past five school terms.
Mr Fleming’s legal representative this week said a Department of Education and Training investigation had reached an advanced stage, but finalisation of the matter was still “entirely within the purview of DET”.
Mr Fleming’s absence began in term 1, 2017. Days before the school year was scheduled to begin a department spokesperson said Mr Fleming was on a period of extended leave.
The department has consistently refused to comment on the circumstances behind the decision, saying it did not comment on individual employment matters.
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Bendigo Senior Secondary College principal Dale Pearce was brought in as acting principal in 2017, but will return to his school next term and be replaced by Swan Hill College’s Julie Robertson.
On Wednesday, education minister James Merlino revealed he had asked the Department of Education and Training to urgently resolve Mr Fleming’s matter.
Dawes & Vary Riordan lawyer David Schier said Mr Fleming had taken the period of enforced absence as a chance to significantly improve his health and well-being, “and is in great shape in all respects”.
“He remains dedicated to returning as principal of BSEC and earnestly hopes that it (the matter) is (resolved), as soon as can be achieved."
Meanwhile, a group of current and former parents, former staff members and community members met on Wednesday and resolved to continue pressuring the department to resolve the matter through a letter writing campaign.
Their activities have also included contacting member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and the establishment of the Resolution for Ernie Fleming & BSE Community Facebook page.
Page administrator Megan Anderson said it was a way to reach out to younger people in the community who were concerned about Mr Fleming’s employment status.