PORT MORESBY– The Acting Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Mr. Maini Mike Ugaia, has moved to clarify the commission’s stance on substantive appointments following recent disputes regarding the leadership at Gerehu Primary School in Port Moresby.

Chairman Ugaia emphasized that while any teacher with a higher substantive rank is eligible for appointment to head teacher positions, the Commission must strictly adhere to public service standards to maintain professional integrity.

Addressing the specific leadership dispute between Mrs. Margaret Puka and Mrs. Lois Korave, the Chairman confirmed that Mrs. Korave will be reinstated as the Head Teacher of Gerehu Primary School.

The Chairman noted that Mrs. Puka, currently at a base level 3, was found to be acting five levels above her substantive position—a breach of standard protocols. In contrast, Mrs. Lois Korave holds a substantive level 6.

“Someone who is sitting on that position must be senior,” the Chairman stated.

“Mrs. Korave is a substantive level six and must return to the school to lead. This correction addresses an administrative oversight regarding her retirement status, which has now been formally rectified via official correspondence.”

In response to widespread irregularities where teachers are acting up to five levels above their substantive rank, the TSC is set to issue a formal instruction regarding “two-level” eligibility.

The Commission intends to align with broader Public Service policies, mandating that any acting appointment or promotion must not exceed two levels above a teacher’s substantive position.

“We cannot have base-level teachers jumping six or eight levels to manage high schools or primary institutions,” the Chairman said.

“While this may be a setback for provinces currently utilizing junior officers as principals, we must prioritize merit and seniority to ensure stable school management.”

The TSC is currently formulating a permanent policy to this effect; however, an immediate instruction will be dispatched to all provincial education authorities to enforce these eligibility requirements effective immediately.

“I advise all Provincial Education Boards (PEBs) and the National Education Board (NEB) to make teacher appointments based on merit rather than external influences. Appointments to leadership and senior positions must strictly comply with established standards to promote effective teaching and learning across all schools.”

ENDS