Band A Tenure and Reappointment Renewal

In the second half of 2024, SASSLA and the Principal and Preschool Director Associations (the Joint Associations) engaged in detailed discussions with the department on the government’s commitment for improved employment security for Band A principals and preschool directors. A detailed overview of the discussions is provided here. A final position was reached in October 2024. The new approach has three main elements:

Increases in contract tenure for up to 10 years.
Removal of the reappointment process and replacing it with a renewal process that enables a person in the Band A role to continue in the role unless there are formal documented unsatisfactory performance or misconduct processes in place.
Review and reform of the process machinery. This includes position descriptions, merit processes, and performance development policies and processes.

To implement the new approach, a Band A Tenure Reference Group, including Joint Association members, has been established. The immediate task of the Reference Group is to discuss and settle a draft of the Band A Tenure and Appointment Renewal Procedure. The procedure will provide clarity on the appointment renewal process. This work is now well advanced, and the department’s plan is to have the draft procedure available for statewide consultation in April 2025. Work on the development of the process machinery will continue throughout 2025 leading up to final approval.

Band A leaders with tenures concluding at the end of 2025

We encourage Band A members to read the document Increased Tenure for Band A Leaders – Frequently asked questions (FAQs) which outlines the framework of the new approach including eligibility requirements. Additional detail will be provided in the Band A Tenure and Appointment Renewal Procedure when it is released.

Band A Leaders with tenures concluding at the end of 2025 will be eligible for renewal of tenure under the terms to be established in the Band A Tenure and Appointment Renewal Procedure. Education Directors will contact all leaders who are eligible for tenure renewal to discuss the process.

SASSLA will continue to provide regular communication updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Further Information and Interim Measures:

Band A Position Descriptions

Existing Principal and Preschool Director position descriptions will remain in place for 2025.
The intent in reworking Principal and Preschool Director position descriptions is to use it to refocus Band A work on student learning and school culture, using the position description as leverage to support site leaders building a culture where students and staff can thrive. This draws on the Rethinking and Redesigning the role of the principal – the case for change that SASSLA and SASPA have now released.
Position descriptions will be revised over a two-step process:

Step 1, 2025 – update and refresh existing position descriptions to reflect new strategy. This version is expected to be released for roles advertised during 2026.
Step 2, 2025-26 – review, rework and refresh position descriptions. This version is expected to be ready for Principal and Preschool Director roles advertised from 2027.

The Reference Group will seek broader input and advice from Band A leaders as the work progresses.

Band A Classification

SASSLA has been working with the department and providing feedback on Mercer (MCED Job Evaluation Methodology) since 2023.

A 6-level broad banded site classification structure will be implemented from the start of 2026 to replace the current 9-level (10 level including A-9+) structure.
Mercer is focussed on the actual requirements of a Band A role in a particular site type with a particular budget and FTE relative to other sites. This system will be used to determine the classification of most schools and preschools from the start of 2026.

Interim Measures until the Replacement of 2024 Enterprise Agreement (EA)

All Band A roles advertised from this term on will include a statement advising that a new classification may apply to the site in 2026.
The department will continue to apply SSACR and preschool factor methodology to sites for the life of 2024 EA. Sites will be advised of their new classification level alongside their existing SSACR level and the remuneration applicable to each in term 4, 2025.
Until the 2024 EA is replaced, Band A leaders will be remunerated at the classification that generates the higher remuneration:

The 2024 EA nominally expires in May 2027 – most EAs settle 12-18 months after the nominal expiry.
The EA that supersedes the 2024 EA will determine future remuneration arrangements at each classification level.
Changes to site classification arrangements will not impact classification of Deputy Principals. They will continue to be classified at the SSACR level of their site for the life of the 2024 EA.

SASSLA will continue to provide members with information as we move through this change initiative. The department will also provide leaders with information via LinkED and further consultation with portfolios later in the year. We encourage members to contact us should you wish to seek clarification or give feedback.

Testimonials

Being a member of SASSLA provides me with support and care as a Preschool Director. The representation of early childhood education within the Association is a priority as is the challenges associated with this leadership role. SASSLA has been instrumental in working with other Associations to discuss Directors’ workload and the Enterprise Agreement around the 24 hour face to face teaching time. My issues and concerns are always addressed promptly and in particular Phil O’Loughlin has always ensured my wellbeing is of the utmost importance. I would recommend membership to all Preschool Directors as the personalised representation and recognition of our work is a key focus.

Nicole Otto, Preschool Director

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Nicole Otto, Preschool Director

SASSLA has been a necessary and valued support, especially during a period of extreme work based trauma. I have found Mardi Barry’s assistance to be prompt, approachable and most understanding and the advice from Amber Sprague at TGB Lawyers enabled me to negotiate leave and workers compensation to ensure an eventual return to good health.

I have been impressed by the professionalism of Phil O’Loughlin and Leanne James who enable the voices of rural leaders to be heard and valued. Their tireless work in seriously rethinking the role, workload and issues of principals will make an enormous difference for future leaders.

Lesley Okholm, Principal

I have been a SASSLA member for 20 years and have found their assistance invaluable as a school leader and even more so now that I am moving into a new role as an Education Director. It has been reassuring to know that I have access to expert advice in stressful times and someone to talk to who gives an impartial voice on leadership issues. The service I received from Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers was brilliant. They are highly experienced in Departmental policies and procedures and assisted me during a very vulnerable time. I am glad I made the switch 20 years ago!

Deb O'Neill, Education Director

I became a member of SASSLA in my first year as a Primary School Principal. The immediate and responsive support I received from Phil O'Loughlin and the entire team provided me with the skills and knowledge required to navigate some complex decision making and change management. Balancing the needs and entitlements of students and staff with the expectations of the wider community provided many challenges. SASSLA's expertise and understanding of the Department’s policies and procedures provided me with the foundation and confidence to navigate these challenges. Their unconditional support and advice was instrumental in achieving positive outcomes for our school community. I can't thank them enough and recommend membership to all leaders.

Adam Blakely, Principal

My SASSLA membership is an essential, professional investment in a service and resource I could not go without. Knowing I can make a call to SASSLA enables immediate communication to take place in a confidential and reassuring context when faced with unforeseen challenges. They actively listen with clarity and provide recommendations of action during conversations. All matters are dealt with great sensitivity and care.

Dina Zunis, Principal

Primary Principal of the Year 2021

As a principal, you can often feel under siege when battling vexatious complaints, whether it be responding to Ministerials, mediating conflict in the workplace or managing underperforming staff. I received very little support from other sources and only ever felt like SASSLA appreciated the effort I was making to provide children with a quality education which they deserve.

SASSLA understands the pressures and the unique conditions that school leaders experience daily. Without SASSLA’s support and guidance, I am not sure how I would have made it through these complex situations. The work SASSLA does is invaluable, and I encourage school leaders to join and be protected and supported by SASSLA.

Catherine Cox-Walliss, former Principal

Joining SASSLA has afforded me the greatest level of professional support I could possibly have hoped for. It provided me the opportunity to be heard meaningfully and with the assumption of good intent. The Association has shown great expertise in both legal and departmental processes, as well as holding clear understandings about management and site context. I will continue to appreciate their professional network and membership.

Betty Elsworthy, Preschool Director

I see my SASSLA membership as a type of insurance policy. It’s my support network to fall back on in possible times of crisis. Knowing that I have legal assistance a phone call away and financial assistance with legal costs gives me peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know that I have genuine peer support now and throughout my future career.

Ilia Tsoutouras, Education Director

Whilst other associations and the Department talk about leader well-being, it has only been SASSLA who has provided the care, concern and professional guidance for me over the past two years. As leaders we often hear of others enduring stressful times and it is easy to gossip, dismiss or think it won’t happen to us and walk away. I hope no-one has to endure what I have, but if you do, you can’t afford not to belong to SASSLA.

Lynne-Maree Hastings, Principal

Without the support of SASSLA I would not have stayed connected to and be continuing in my chosen and much loved career. It is so important that Principals have the full support and confidence of the Department. My very public legal case highlighted the fragility of the system when support and confidence dissipates in the face of political interference, media attacks and intolerance. SASSLA gave me support and encouragement during a very difficult time and when it seemed that no-one else would listen

Sue Burtenshaw, Principal

I have been a SASSLA member for over 15 years and worked in both country and metropolitan schools. I have always appreciated SASSLA’s strong advocacy work on behalf of all leaders. I am fortunate to have experienced the compassion, support, and expert advice of SASSLA’s Chief Executive, Phil O’Loughlin, in partnership with the legal support of Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers, during a challenging professional time. I highly recommend SASSLA to education leaders.

Matt Saunders, Principal

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