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That evening Karla glanced at Ryan. She had expected the news about the abduction and rescue would be the top news on the six o'clock news on the two main networks. They had both stations showing on two televisions with the little bedroom set brought into the living room. However, neither channel mentioned the news. It was six-fifteen before the TV-3 newsreader came on with a video of the hut and a column of smoke behind.
"We have a news-breaking report of a helicopter crash in Central Otago. An unconfirmed report by an hunter who sent us this video states that he believes a tourist helicopter crashed while attempting to land at Middle Range Hut ..." No mention was made of the RNZAF helicopter nor anything about the abduction and rescue and seemingly in the middle of the clip, the scene switched to advertisements that dragged on. Afterwards the newsreader came back to apologise for technical difficulties and continued on with other news. Nothing more was broadcast and the other channel made no mention of the entire incident.
"It's been censored," Ryan muttered. "Normally something like this would be filled with reports and we'd be hounded by television teams arriving for shots and interviews."
The phone rang and Karla answered.
"Patricia Williams, Karla. Did you get a call from the police?"
"No but we noticed the news about the abduction was cut off on TV-3 and TV-1 never broadcast a thing."
"No networks were meant to broadcast anything. There is a blanket band on everything and we were told, not asked to say nothing to anyone."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
Karla clicked off and turned to Ryan. "Wilderthorn hinted that terrorists, that overseas casino and everything else with Don Trow are all tied in."
"But why the censorship of the news?"
"I suspect that the terrorists want the publicity. What would suit their cause more than to show that one of the more remote liberal democracies is not immune to their terrorism? That guy who abducted us admitted we were just pawns."
"So what do we do now?"
"Just say nothing and carry on. No doubt the police will contact us tomorrow."
*
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Thursday the second to last day of the term, Ryan felt apprehensive as he drove the bus through the pine plantation. It was irrational he knew but his heart thumped when he drove towards the corner where they had been abducted. There was nothing there and he relaxed as he drove on. Unexpectedly, all six children were waiting at the end of the route, as was the Williams' 4x4.
He stopped and the passengers tumbled in, with the smaller ones first and grins on their faces.
Aria Meadows clutched her backpack and smiled at him. "Ryan, I'm going to tell everyone about the huge snowman we built," she said.
"How nice," he replied and grinned to himself. After all the drama including the crashing helicopter, this little girl found the snowman was her highlight. Children were certainly resilient.
Coira appeared more subdued but gave him a slight smile. "You look better when you've had a shave," she said and sat in one of the front seats that was unusual for, until now she had always headed to a back seat.
Hamish followed and grinned. "Mum wants to talk to you," he said and nodded back to where Patricia Williams sat in her vehicle with the driver's window down.
"Right," Ryan replied. He climbed out of the bus and walked across to her.
She looked quite tired and started with an apology for getting him out of the bus, "It was better than two nights ago but last night was hard. All the younger ones kept waking up and wanted to talk or just hug Nathan or myself. I wanted to keep them home today but everyone insisted on going to school. Can I follow you through the plantation and meet you on the town side to escort you back again tonight?" She grimaced. "We've travelled through there for years without giving the isolation a thought but now... if it affects us as adults like that, how will it affect the kids?"
"They'll bounce back," Ryan said and told her about Aria's highlight and that Coira was at that moment sitting at the front of the bus. "I think the elder two will take longer to get over it." He smiled. "Of course I'd like the escort. I felt apprehensive as I drove through on the way here."
Patricia nodded. "In many ways, Coira is more mature than Hamish but is more moody, too She doesn't really say much but her little comments show she is enjoys school now, or until this incident happened, much more than before Karla and you arrived. You know, 'Karla's no stuck up, bitch, Mum,' and so forth."
Ryan laughed and told Patricia about the girl's comment about his shave.
"That's her way of saying thanks," Patricia said. She reached out and squeezed his hand. "I know everything was said yesterday but thank you from the bottom of my heart. Having Karla and you at Tuckett is godsend."
Ryan coughed in embarrassment. "Thanks Patricia but I'd better get going. Can't have them worrying if we arrive late."
*
THAT EVENING KARLA arrived on time for the board of trustees meeting but found they were all there before her. The atmosphere was warm, as was the smell of coffee and the selection of sandwiches and muffins on the coffee table in the centre of the staffroom. Sonya and probably the other members' wives had been doing some home cooking.
"Thought we'd munch and have coffee while we talked rather than waiting until afterwards," Sonya said. "After such a nervous week..."
Even Ian and Tyler, two of Don Trow's supporters at earlier meetings were relaxed and complimentary as the usual minutes and account payments were passed.
Sonya glanced up. "Now for general business. To begin, I wish to move that we send Ryan Purdon a thank you for everything he did to help the children after the abduction."
This was passed and Karla said she had a suggestion. "I think that Hamish and Coira Williams also be sent a letter of appreciation. Ryan said that both of them acted bravely and helped the younger children when they were all terrified."
"How about a gift, too?" Ian asked. "You know something that they'd like such as a music voucher they can use on the internet?"
"Perhaps we should even go further and buy the younger children involved, say a soft toy each," Blake added.
"Dolina too," Karla said. "If she hadn't hidden in the bus, we may never have known there was even a helicopter involved."
Everyone agreed and the motions were passed. Sonya said she'd work with Rita in finding suitable gifts for the six children and students and handed the floor over to Roxanne.
Roxanne in her capacity as secretary looked serious as she produced her usual clipboard that held incoming mail, most of which were now paper copies of internet mail. Again there were a dozen or more usual ones from the Ministry of Education or other authorities but finally she came to, in her words, to the three most important ones.
Karla listened as the first was read out. It stated that after due consideration to the needs of the local district and the revised roll projections, the ministry had decided to keep Tuckett Area School as a composite school catering for Year Zero to Thirteen students.
Everyone looked relieved and a motion formally thanking Karla for her continued help at their school was unanimously passed.
"But it gets better," Roxanne and reached for a bulky yellow envelope with the Ministry of Education logo on the cover. She extracted a large architectural document and left it unfolded on the table. "Stage Four of our building programme has been approved."
"What?" gasped Ian. "We thought that it had been permanently shelved."
"Until the fate of our high school section had been solved," Sonya said.
"What were the first three stages?" Karla asked.
Ian grinned at her. "This admin block, the new primary block that we now call the East Block and the technology block were all built when we became an area school. Stage four is a five classroom block similar to the primary block but without classrooms designed for the Year one to Three classes."
"Well let's see it," someone said to Roxanne.
She unfolded the document and flattened it out on the table. Karla stood back to let the others around but Sonya gave her a gentle shove in closer. It looked interesting. Across from the East Block was a similar five-classroom block that replaced the enclosed walkway and stretched across the tennis court and winter ice rink from the assembly hall back to tuck in beside the Manual Arts and Technology Block. The old secondary block had 'To be demolished' printed across it. Between this new block and the East block was a glassed in courtyard including an indoor netball court. The northern part would open to the field once the old block was demolished. The courtyard would have glass, sliding panels to the north and west as well as the roof that could be left open in summer or closed in winter to make the entire area enclosed. Neat architectural printing showed that it would be heated in winter. As well, a new outdoor tennis court and ice-skating rink was shown south of the swimming pool.
"Nice of them to call it an ice skating rink, too," Adrian said. "Not many New Zealand schools would have that in an official drawing."
"It's even more elaborate than the original plans of five years ago," Sonja said. "When does it start, Roxanne?"
"They'll be calling tenders next term and hope to begin building in the new year. Hopefully, it will be ready by this time next year. With new modular designs, the construction time is quite fast compared to when the other blocks were built."
"A fitting climax to Karla's time with us," Ian said and glanced across at her. "Unless she decides to stay longer, that is."
Karla smiled. "It's not really up to me," she said. "I have a year's contract and release from my Tui Park for that time. I'm thrilled about the progress made since my arrival, including this board's contributions"
"I wonder about this last letter," Roxanne said and flipped over a page on her clipboard.
Everyone stopped their cheerful chatter and stared at her.
"Problem?" Sonya asked.
Roxanne shrugged. "Not really, I guess. Don Trow has written to formally ask for two terms leave and include a medical certificate to support his request."
"So if we grant it, he'll return the term after Karla leaves us," Blake Turner who hadn't said much all evening replied. "What's the bet, he'll waltz back in and ignore everything you've done to help us, Karla?"
An intense discussion followed but unlike earlier meetings there was no divided opinion, more a query about the actions they should take, from whether they should refuse or approve the request to whether they should demand his resignation because of the missing money. Karla pointed out that it was true that the money was missing but as it was still being investigated by the police there was no proof that Don Trow took the money or altered the books.
"Until the police press charges and a court case is held, we have no foundation for requesting his resignation and removing him from his position could just result in a claim of unfair dismissal. This could drag on for years and actually cost the Board more in court fees than the money lost in the PTA account."
"So we just turn his request down?" Adrain asked.
"With the medical certificate and the injuries he received, imagine how the media would blow it all up," Sonya said. "Don Trow could also request dismissal of the board and the replacement by a commissioner."
"Is that possible?" Tyler McKegg asked.
"Extremely," Karla said. "It was part of my contract here. If I found that I could not work with you, I was given the power to recommend that this board is dismissed and a commissioner appointed until new elections are held."
Faces looked glum and even Sonya raised her eyebrows.
Karla looked around the table. "Don't worry, I have never considered that move, not even when we were still getting to know each other. In the democratic system that we have, everyone has a right to disagree with motions without fear of retaliation. "
"So could you recommend that Don Trow is dismissed?" Blake asked.
"Only if there are grounds and it would be to this board. You are his employer, not the Ministry of Education."
"So we've got our hands tied," Jasmine Scott, the teacher representative said. "Until Don is found guilty of stealing from the school or making false entries in the PTA accounts we can't sack him, recommend he resigns or turn down his request for medical leave."
"It appears so," someone muttered.
"How about a compromise?" Rita Southerland, the eighteen-year-old student representative on the board asked. "I take Legal Studies through OtagoNet as one of my NCEA Level 3 papers. Don't medical certificates for leave from a position have a limited lifespan of three months before they have to be renewed?"
Sonya nodded. "I think you're right, Rita, but go on."
"Well that's really one term. Why don't we grant Mr Trow leave until the end of next term, that is Christmas and request that he returns to work at the beginning of next year. Karla still has one term here next year so he will have to cooperate with her during that time?"
"And by then the police may charge him over that money," Jasmine said.
"Or if he refuses to cooperate, that could be grounds for his dismissal?" Adrian added.
"The opposite is also true," Ian Holland said. "If nothing is proven about that PTA money and he comes back and cooperates with Karla there will be no reason he can't continue on."
"But it gives us all time," Blake said. "I would like to put Rita's idea forward."
Karla was pleased with the unanimous vote to pass the motion. The board were now working together rather than being in two opposing groups. This was followed by another motion that her position of Change Principal absorbed the position of acting principal so there was no need to appoint anybody else.
Karla shook her head. "No" she said. "Thank you for your confidence in me but the reason for my appointment here is to train and lead. If I just do everything a principal does, what happens when I leave?"
" I thought we covered that when we only approved one term's leave for Don," Tyler said.
"Karla's thinking outside the square," Blake replied. "What happens if he resigns and doesn't return for the last term she is here? If we have an acting principal that she can guide and they prove to be capable, we could appoint him as the new permanent principal."
"... Or her," Karla interjected.
Curious eyes stared at her before Sonja coughed.
"You have obviously thought about this, Karla. What do you suggest?
"A generation back, promotions in the teaching profession were like the public service of those days. Everyone moved up through the ranks with seniority as important as ability; a senior teacher became a deputy principal, moved up to be principal of a small country school, onto a larger school or a school such as ours that caters for both primary and secondary pupils. After a few years and with a little luck they'd become principal of a large city school."
"Like your position in Wellington?" Adrain asked.
"True. Under the old system I could not have been appointed to that position until I had spent ten or twelve years in charge of smaller schools."
"And the point of this discussion?" Ian asked.
"I think the strongest person on the staff should be offered the acting principal's position, not just move senior staff up a notch."
"And who is that?" Sonya asked.
Karla expected an argument when she told them but was surprised at the response. Eyebrows were raised and members gazed at each other or grimaced but nobody openly objected.
"And you will approach the unsuccessful staff members as well as the one you wish to appoint?" Jasmine asked.
"I will," Karla replied. "Of course if she doesn't want the position we can move onto our second choice."
"And what about any backlash?" Tyler replied.
"I'll help the new acting-principal to cope. If feelings run high and staff resign, so be it. It will be a personal decision."
*
AT EIGHT THIRTY ON the last day of the school term, Karla walked into Room 1 that was already a hive of activity. Being Year Zero to Two levels, there were always parents there in the morning, taking off their children's coats, checking they had everything and wanting to chat with Brandi Shellard.
The couple of parents talking to the teacher looked up, smiled at Karla and after a few comments about the cold morning, stepped aside.
Brandi herself looked apprehensive as she looked at Karla. "Welcome to Room 1," she said. "Bit of a shambles with the cold weather and so many coats, boots and bags, I'm afraid. Is there something you want Karla?"
"Yes," Karla replied. "Can you come to my office at nine fifteen. Elena can take your class until morning interval?" Elena was a local woman and teacher who was employed on a casual basis when teachers were ill or attending in-service courses.
Brandi's apprehensive look deepened. "It must be important."
Karla smiled slightly. "Just following up on something at last night's board meeting."
Brandi grimaced. "I knew there was something happening?"
"How come?"
"Jasmine came in to chat just before you arrived. She never just drops in to chat before school, being at the other end of the block in Room 4."
"What did she say?"
"Nothing. It was just her body language and now with you here at this time..."
"See you at quarter past nine," Karla said, smiled at some of the little children around and left the room.
*
"COME IN AND TAKE A seat," Karla said to Brandi forty-five minutes later.
Brandi nodded and sat down in one of the armchairs available. In her quite casual clothes of jeans, turtleneck jersey and long brunette hair hanging down over her shoulders she looked even younger than her late-twenties age.
"The Board complained about my clothes, didn't they? I know all the other senior staff wear suits and..." She stopped when Karla sat in the other armchair opposite her and smiled. "... well what, Karla?"
"You want me to be frank?"
Brandi eyes were downcast and she appeared to be waiting for the worst news. "Why not?"
"Your clothes are perfect, especially in your room with little children spilling things and such like. No, it is a entirely different matter." She glanced up. "Don Trow has been granted leave for at least one term and there is every chance it will be extended into next year."
"So you want me step up to Thea's DP in charge of the Junior School position?" Brandi sounded relieved.
"No, I am offering the position as acting principal at Tuckett Area School as from the beginning of October, that's the middle of the holidays so you can be ready for Term Four."
"Me! Why me?" Brandi looked flabbergasted. "What about Clive or Thea?"
"You were considered the best candidate for the position."
"Oh hell! Oops, sorry Karla I never guessed I'd even be in the running. Everyone expected Don to ask for time off but thought you'd just to keep going or Clive would be offered the position. I don't know what to say..." Brandi had the habit of talking too much when she was excited or nervous.
"That you'll accept. There would be a good pay rise, of course."
"But I'm a classroom teacher, not an administrator."
"Who leads the best syndicate in the school and that was even before I arrived."
"The whole school right up to Rita, Peter and those other Year 13s?"
Karla grinned. "They're the easy ones. It's the younger teenagers who need a firm hand. Remember, I'll still be here but it is my intention to step back a little in the everyday running of the school."
"And you want me?" Brandi asked a second time. "What about my class?"
"We'll appoint a relieving teacher, perhaps Elena. Would you like to think about it and get back to me?"
Brandi broke out in a grin. "I'll take it! Oh hell, I guess I'll need to buy that new trouser suit now."
Karla laughed. "Please yourself. Remember, it is confidential at the moment. I have to tell Clive and Thea personally but if you agree, we'll tell the whole staff before everyone leaves this afternoon."
"That'll be fun," Brandi muttered. "I don't think Clive, in particular will like it."
"Probably not," Karla replied. "As principal, you'll find that it is impossible to please everyone."
Brandi stood up looking flushed and excited. "Thanks Karla. I must get back to my class. Being the last day I didn't even have my reading planned."
After Brandi left, Karla thought back to Tui Park when she offered Lexi McKenzie the senior teacher position there. The two women looked nothing alike but in many ways they were similar. Now came the less pleasant task of telling the two deputy principals that they been surpassed for the acting principal's position.
*