Governors

[ExcuseMeButtingIn]

I'm being bullied by a school governor. I can't quite believe at 41 years old it's happening but it is. I have no idea what to do about it.

This has been going on for 4 years and takes the form of her just pretending I'm not there. At first I thought I was being over sensitive, then someone else picked up on it so I knew it wasn't just me. Then I thought it was funny, I mean it is really, it's so pathetic! But today it brought me to tears. I just don't know what I've done. I can't bring it up with the head as they are very close and I know I would just be 'managed out'

Anyone got any ideas or should I just start looking for somewhere else?

Are you a teacher?

Another governor?

A parent?

What is your relation to the governor?

Can you be more specific about what is happening? It would help to know if the governor is being unprofessional when dealing with valid parental concerns or if its just two people who dont get along?

I have two jobs within the school, one of which is an admin role. There is no need for any work interaction really, though I'm sure it makes life more complicated for her by not talking to me as she puts all her queries though the clerk of governors who is often on a cruise! All the other governors occasionally email or pop in to ask questions etc.

As a school we have a very close working relationship with the governors and all are in at least fortnightly. This particular governor comes in about twice a week. If I'm in a room she will great everyone by name and pretend I'm not there.

If it was a case of just not getting on I would completely understand. The only time she has spoken to me in 4 years was because the head said 'oh excuseme will be able to get that for you' and I was in the same room so she had to ask me

I am a governor and wouldn't dream of going into school twice a week. What on earth is she doing?

A governor role is a strategic one not an operational one and she shouldn't be interfering on a day to day basis.

I agree with bunbaker, governor should not be in school twice a week, as visits should only be pre arranged and for clear and defined reasons.

I can in my school a lot as a governor as I cover a large part of area the curriculum so have meeting the individual teacher with area of responsibility but these are arranged in advance.

Goodness. How rude. I would have a word with your line manager about it. I would expect that the head teacher would then have a word with the governor.

Governors have a privileged role but they are guests of the HT on school premises and can be restricted in their access if necessary.

I am surprised that a Clerk to the Governors is often on holiday! Isn't their job the same as any other school role whereby you can't take time off in term time.
The Governor sounds a cow. Maybe she s jealous of you and trying to make herself more important

Hi,

It sounds like she is being a snob to me! How rude!
Sadly, there are people out there who are like that and, to be honest, she should not be working as a school governor when she can treat people like that.
Can you take advice from one of the teachers before you approach the HT?

Most governors would pull up a fellow governor who behaved like this. Maybe they haven't noticed.

Maybe make a "joke" about it to a couple of the other governors who are likely to notice it once it is pointed out?

If this governor is bullying you she is probably being a knob with other people too.

I'm a governor.
There should be a code of conduct in place for Governors.
And there is no reason for her to be in school twice a week, which probably means she is acting beyond her remit, and not adhering to the Code of conduct in other areas.