The Yipirinya School in Mparntwe / Alice Springs has returned to community-led management, the Northern Territory Government has said, ending 12 months of statutory management.
The independent Indigenous-language school has been mired in controversy after former principal Gavin Morris was convicted of choking two students and dragging two others while allegedly directing racist slurs at them.
Yipirinya, which can cater to more than 300 Indigenous primary and secondary students, was placed under statutory management in July last year and has since experienced declining attendance. Towards the end of 2025, its interim principal was dismissed by the school's statutory manager.
On Friday, the Northern Territory Government said the return to community-led management would "restore stability and place the school on a secure, sustainable footing".
The new Yipirinya School Committee comprises nine members: Beverley Angeles, Cherisse Buzzacott, Kumalie Kngwarraye, Shirleen Campbell, Kate Mar Fan, Mathew Axeton, Neil McLeod, Dominic McCormack and Jake Quinlivan.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill welcomed the transition back to community-led governance.
"With a robust framework and experienced committee now in place, the school enters this new chapter in a much stronger position," Ms Cahill said.
"I thank Statutory Manager Stuart Reid, the former school committee, and government agencies for their contributions to restoring Yipirinya School to community-led management.
"This work has ensured Yipirinya School can continue delivering quality education for generations to come."
Principal Greg Hollis told the ABC that about 186 students were enrolled at the school, with attendance averaging 51 per cent on most days. He said rebuilding enrolment would increase funding and help repay $3.7 million owed to the federal government.
"If we're bringing in significant numbers but we're not actually providing the quality education they deserve, then we're doing them a disservice," he said.
"I want to encourage them to come along, to attend regularly and to learn. That's where it is at the moment."
