The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals says removing positions of middle management and posts of responsibility in Irish secondary schools, as a result of cutbacks, is threatening the effective running of schools.
NAPD members are gathering in Galway today for the association's annual conference where reform of the junior and leaving cert, enhanced training for school principals and changes to college entry will be discussed.
The group says it is unacceptable that some schools are operating without Special Education Needs Co-coordinators and Year Heads.
The President of the NAPD, Padraig Flanagan, wants the Education Minister to look at education as an investment and not a cost.
