The managers and principals of second-level schools have called on the Department of Education to immediately lift the moratorium on replacing assistant principals and special duties posts in schools.
After discussions this afternoon, the three management bodies and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals have asked for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Education and with senior Department officials.
They say schools already suffering by the loss of vital middle-management posts need support and schools will suffer further losses caused by early retirements in the autumn.
Earlier this week the two main second-level teacher unions issued a directive to members telling them not to informally pick up work associated with these posts, where the posts had fallen vacant.
School managers say recent surveys indicate that over 20% of existing posts have not been filled by the embargo and that a further 20% will be lost by the end of the year.
They say some schools have lost almost their entire middle management structure.
NAPD Director Clive Byrne said principals and deputy principals have in some cases had to take on the work of up to five assistant principals and special duties teachers.
He says they are finding it virtually impossible to discharge their statutory duties under Education, Employment Equality, Special Needs and Health and Safety legislation.
Ferdia Kelly of the Joint Managerial Board says there is now genuine concern about the capacity of schools to manage in a way which ensures the welfare and progress of each and every student.
