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Karla was in her office late morning when she glanced up and saw Ryan standing there.
"Hi," she said. "What's wrong?"
He grinned. "Does something need to be wrong just because I visit you here?"
"No, of course not but you never do."
Ryan plonked himself down in an armchair and placed his mini iPad on the corner of her desk. "Just done a bit of research that I thought might be of interest to you. You know that tennis court over at Honeyburn that is breaking up?"
Karla nodded.
"It was laid by McGee & Sons Construction. They're one of the major building and construction companies in this part of the country."
"So?"
"They built the new block here at Tuckett. They're a good firm and won most of the school building contracts and have a good chance of winning several new ones that have been advertised."
"Okay, but what has this got to do with Honeyburn tennis courts?"
"The Ministry of Education came under criticism a few years back for always accepting the lowest tender. Up in Auckland where the majority of the new schools are built, there were a few problems with inferior construction by firms who had won tenders. The Ministry of Education and other government departments changed their policies and do not now, by law have to accept the lowest tender. Instead they have a ranking system with negative points given to firms who provide a poor service. A negative report can be the difference between a firm winning a government tender or not. "
"I see," Karla said. "So negative points for inferior work on the Honeyburn tennis courts could stop McGee & Sons Construction from winning any tenders for new school buildings in Otago?"
"That's about it. The tennis court is only a minor job for them but to miss out on major tenders here can make a huge difference to their company finances. I also heard they are struggling."
Karla grimaced. "I won’t ask how you found out."
"The opposite is also true. If a company becomes known for following up any complains without trying to wiggle out of the problem, it's reputation is enhanced."
"So if this... shall we say small fact is mentioned to McGee & Sons Construction, they might decide to fix up the tennis courts under the original guarantee?"
"That's about it."
Karla smiled. "I'll call Wyatt Setton at Honeyburn Traders and see what happens."
*
TWO DAYS LATER, KARLA accompanied Wyatt into an upmarket office on the outskirts of Dunedin where McGee & Sons Construction was located. The large complex had several prefabricated houses being constructed on-site and a massive building that held materials and machinery, as well as the administration block.
Thomas McGee was an elderly man in his sixties who, again according to Ryan's research, was semi-retired but still had an important role in running the company.
He greeted them both with a handshake and raised his eyebrows at Karla. "Are you also on the Honeyburn Board of Trustees, Mrs Spicer?" he asked.
It was Wyatt who answered. "No Karla is Central Otago's executive principal with overview of the schools in our area."
"I am based at Tuckett Area School but have been called in to help Honeyburn School with their finances," Karla added.
The elderly man sat back on his chair and stared at her. "We built the new junior, administration and technology blocks there and heard that the embargo on Stage 4 will be lifted if it was decided to keep the high school going."
This was news to Karla was but it obviously seemed important. "Yes."
Thomas turned back to Wyatt. "My lawyers have stated that our company is not responsible for the asphalt breaking up at your school, Mr Setton. If anyone is at fault it is your board who failed to stipulate what your climatic conditions were."
"I doubt if any tennis will be able to be played on the broken surface next summer," Karla said in a hard voice. "Schools and community organisations such as hall committees are not profit making organisations, Mr McGee. In my opinion, even though you are correct from a strictly legal point of view, you are morally obliged to at least check on the tennis court at Honeyburn and help them repair the damage without charge."
"Your opinion, Mrs Spicer? Everyone has opinions. That is of course, within your rights but in the business world we would not last long if we were affected by every bystander's opinion about what we should do."
"That is true," Wyatt cut in. "However, Karla is not here just to give me moral support. She is paid by the Ministry of Education and reports directly to the Minister of Education." This wasn't exactly true but they had discussed what to say before hand. Apparently Thomas McGee was of the old school and it was rumoured that he was interested in receiving government honours for service to the community when the New Year's list came out.
Karla stared at the man. "The tenders for the new classroom block at Otago Girls' High School close at the end of the week. It is not strictly my department but my recommendations are considered by the authorities when awarding the tenders."
This was partly true for she had contacted John Cosgrove and he had told her about the Otago Girls' contract. Also he said that McGee's knew about the new government policy of not necessarily accepting the lowest tender for capital works and blacklisting firms for inferior work.
Thomas McGee looked grim as he looked at her. "I get the picture. There are no guarantees, of course but if my company decides to help the Honeyburn School and Hall committees solve the tennis court problems, it could boost our chances of winning the tender to build that new block at Otago Girls' High?"
"I didn't say that," she replied but held his eyes. They both knew that was exactly what she meant.
*
THREE DAYS LATER KARLA received a call from Mia Cowan.
"Wyatt's just dropped in. He said that McGees has sent him an email saying that they have reconsidered the tennis court repairs and they'll be prepared to re-lay it next spring when the weather is warmer. It should be ready for the summer tennis season. Wyatt also said that you helped make them change their mind. I just rang to say thanks."
"Wyatt and I worked together. He's a decent sort, isn't he?"
"He is. Pity the others weren't as good. "
"So how's it going over there?"
Mia sighed. "Not too bad. I love the kids but I doubt if the board will really change. I still feel a little isolated at times. The kids keep asking if you'll come back and visit. They want to show you some of the projects they've done."
"How about next Wednesday?"
"Great. See you then. Bye now."
Karla clicked off and sat for a moment thinking about how things had turned out. Sometimes the philosophy of self-running schools that had operated in New Zealand didn't work in rural districts when there was only a small pool of parents to call upon to do everything. Perhaps positions like her own could actually make a difference for both teachers and the children. She shrugged and returned to the work before her, yet another report to fill in on their internal evaluation procedures for the end of year NCEA exams.
*
AFTER WORKING FOR HALF an hour she glanced at her watch. It was just after ten and in the senior school, the time when the students changed to the second period. There had been reports from the staff about the students taking more than the allowed five minutes to move between rooms so she promised to check it out.
As she walked along the corridor she was quite impressed about how the teenagers moved around. They chatted and carried their packs; many smiled at her or said, "Good Morning, Karla". It was actually quite a contrast to the boisterous pushing, shoving and shouting that she noticed when she had first arrived. This was until she heard screams from the girls' toilets. She turned, walked down the small corridor and flung the door open.
Three girls were fighting in the centre of the room and one of the sinks was filled to almost overflowing with water. One girl was screaming and scratching out as the other two pulled her by the hair and arms towards the sink. In their endeavours, they did not notice Karla standing there.
"Stop!" she said in a slightly raised voice so she could be heard.
The three stopped and stared.
"Oh hell!" muttered one of the attackers.
The victim was let go, dropped to her knees and crouched with her head down, crying. The other two looked up, both red-faced and one had a bleeding cheek from finger nail scratches. By the look of their clothes and dishevelled hair the fight had been going for quite a while. The pair glanced at each other before they stood there with downcast eyes.
"Your names?" Karla said as she glared at them in turn.
"Audrey McKegg," muttered a tall blond girl who had been pulling the other girl's hair.
"And your father is on the board of trustees?"
Audrey looked sullen but nodded.
"And you?" Karla asked the second girl.
"Caroline Morrison, Mrs Spicer." She sounded nervous. "But it's not what it looks..."
"I saw two girls ganging up on a third one and were about to hold her head under water in the sink," Karla said in a quiet voice. "That's what I saw Caroline."
"Sorry, Mrs Spicer."
Karla glowered and turned to the third student who by now had also risen to her feet. "And your name, young lady?"
"Vicky Flavell, Karla."
"Daughter of Adrian Flavell, another board member?"
Vicky nodded and stood there with one hand doing her blouse buttons up. One had been ripped off. Her face was tear streaked and there was a cut bleeding on her chin.
"I do not condone fighting," Karla said. "You will all clean yourselves up, go to your next class and apologise to your teacher for being late. At morning interval you will all report to the school office and wait for me. If any of you say or taunt each other, I shall be calling your parents to come and take you home for the day."
"You can't..." Audrey looked defiant.
Karla turned to her. "You are already in trouble, Audrey so don't make it worse by being obstinate." The girl couldn't hold her gaze.
In the corner of the room was a first-aid box. Karla opened it, took out some gauze and ointment and ran warm water into a second sink. She dabbed a hand towel in the warm water and helped all three bathe their wounds. They all had bleeding scratches and in Caroline's case, a cut lip.
She waited while they straightened their clothes and escorted them along to the science laboratory, their destination. She did not follow them in but reminded them in a forceful voice about coming to the office. Afterwards she went back and walked into Don Trow's office.
"Just a silly girls scrap," he muttered. "Boys come to blows, girls scratch and scream. It'll all boil over and they'll be the best of friends again tomorrow."
"No," Karla said. "This is more serious and is something we don't need in the school."
Trow glowered. "Do what you like but you'll be wasting your time."
"I don't think so," Karla retorted and left the office, annoyed at his cavalier attitude.
*
IT WAS ROXANNE WHO was more forthcoming.
"The Flavell and McKegg families don't really get on," she said. "Both Adrian and Tyler are large station owners on properties their families have owned for several generations. Way back in their grandfathers' days there was a dispute over water rights that took years to solve. Oh, they're on speaking terms now but are rivals rather than friends. Audrey is the more aggressive one but Vicky is no angel either."
"And Caroline Morrison?"
"I think she's the pick of the bunch, a quiet conscientious girl who would rather read a book than play netball. She would be just trying to keep up a friendship with Audrey and I'd say she just went along with her in picking on Vicky."
"And what do you think it was all about?" Karla asked.
Roxanne shrugged. "Could be anything; competition over a boy, innuendo about a family matter or a pop star, you know what fifteen-year-old girls are like?"
"I do. Has it happened before that you know of?"
"Audrey's a bossy little bit but is popular with the boys. She's always getting into scraps, mainly over boys; Vicky is pretty self-confident too and usually can stand up for herself and, as I said Caroline just follows on."
"So it is not a gang-like vendetta?"
"Doubt it. Most of our kids get on pretty well, often better than their parents. It's usually the boys who have a punch up. The girls are more likely to get the huff with each other."
Karla nodded. "Thanks Roxanne. It helps to know a little about them." She turned to walk out. "Oh one more thing. Why do you think Audrey appeared almost scared when I said I would call their parents?"
"Tyler is quite strict and his wife is a snob. She'd be more concerned about losing face in the district that the reason why Audrey was fighting. I've heard they were thinking of sending her off to boarding school next year, would have done so earlier but their farm is going through a rough patch..."
Karla grinned. Roxanne knew all the local gossip.
*
AT ELEVEN FIFTEEN, the three subdued girls sat in the waiting area outside the office. Karla called them in one at a time and compared their stories about the fight. Audrey said it was in retaliation for Vicky sending her horrible text messages and the other girl acknowledged she had sent text messages but it was only because Audrey had been doing the same. Caroline appeared to be most distressed and gave a more neutral account of the differences between the other two. It appeared that they had been rivals for years and the text messages were the result of Vicky getting a higher mark in a science project and Audrey accused her of copying her experiment results. There was also rivalry over Toby, a boy in their class that they were both keen on.
"And you just went along with Audrey so she'd remain your friend, Caroline?" Karla asked.
Caroline shrugged. "I guess but Vicky can be a cow at times, you know.""
"So what would have happened if I had not walked in?"
"Can't say"
"Oh you know very well what you intended to do. What was it?"
"Just hold her under and get her hair and blouse wet. Nothing serious. She started the fight."
"So why did you take part?"
"It just happened. Audrey said, 'Let's show the little bitch,' and ..." Caroline was almost in tears. "I'm sorry, Mrs Spicer. "
From the other two girls' accounts, everything she said, appeared to be true. She felt more sympathetic for Caroline but knew that if she favoured her in any punishment, the other two would probably find out and tease or bully her for being a wimp.
"Go and get the other two and come back into my office," she requested.
She waited as the three appeared. Audrey and Vicky avoided each other but both caste sideways glances at Caroline. In some ways she was more the victim than Vicky.
Karla sat down behind her desk and just fixed her eyes on each of the girls in turn.
"I think I have the full story," she said. "There's an old saying that two wrongs don't make a right, do you understand what I mean?"
They all nodded.
"Good. I am disappointed in all of you... equally." She paused to let her words sink in. She had originally considered giving out detentions or another punishment but decided that this would do more harm than good, especially if they blamed each other for the reason behind it all. "In a small school such as ours we should all be able to overcome any differences of opinion without name calling, sending obnoxious text messages or ganging up on one another."
The girls nodded but said nothing.
"Over the next two weeks I shall be following your school work with interest and will ask your teachers to forward any assignments you have done, for me to peruse." She looked up. "Count this as a warning. If I hear of any more texting nasty messages, name calling or fighting by any of you, I shall be down on you like a ton of bricks."
"So you won't be contacting our parents?" Audrey whispered.
"No Audrey, I do not consider it is necessary. If you let the school and myself down in the future, though I may revise my decision. It is really up to you, isn't it?"
Audrey nodded and gave her a small grin.
"Well girls, you may go," Karla said
They hesitated, glanced at her, at each other and filed out of the office.
Roxanne walked in a moment later. "How do you do it?" she asked.
"Do what?"
"Oh I don't know, deal with them. They arrived pouting and stubborn and walked out almost friendly with each other."
"I treated them as young adults, not scatty teenagers and they responded in a like way."
"Don or even Clive couldn't have managed that."
Karla smiled. "Perhaps it's a gender thing, Roxanne. I wasn't a teenager that many years ago. We didn't have mobile phones then but our attitudes were much the same."
"Guess so," Roxanne replied.
*
THAT EVENING KARLA received a call from Tyler McKegg.
"Hear my daughter was in trouble at school?" he said in his usual blunt way.
She grimaced at Ryan who had just been brought up to date about the event.
"Something minor, Tyler," she replied. "Did she tell you about it?"
"Not directly. Her little eight-year-old brother came rushing in and said that the whole school was talking about Audrey and two other big girls who had been in a fight and were seen outside your office. She also has those scratch marks across her cheek."
"It was all dealt with, Tyler," she said without elaborating and waited for a complaint.
"And successfully too, it seems. Audrey doesn't usually say much about school but when I asked her what happened she would only say that Vicky and her had had a row that you sorted out. My call is to thank you. We've had trouble before with those two and Don never did a thing."
"Perhaps it was because I'm a female teacher."
"Yeah could be but you got through to her. She's flat out doing her homework in the other room right now. Said you were going to check her assignment so she's rewriting it. I doubt if she's ever done that in her life before. Seems to want to please you so thanks, Karla. See you at the next board meeting."
"Sure. Thanks for the call, Tyler."
"You're the true diplomat," Ryan said. "Turned an adversary into a friend on the board, I reckon."
"Possibly," Karla replied. "However, I'm more interested in getting the girls sorted out at school. Audrey is not as tough as she tries to make out. Underneath they're all good kids."
"Like the rest of the school?"
Karla grinned and nodded. Everything was gradually slipping into place.
*