Launceston Grammar school staff ramped up the pressure on embattled Headmaster Richard Ford passing a second no-confidence motion and demanding his dismissal by the school's Board.
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It comes as union members of staff are set to vote next week on what could be the first strike in the 174-year history of the school.
Fifty two staff members represented by the Independent Education Union voted for the motion with three abstentions. It is believed the school has a total of 90 teaching staff.
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The school has been divided over a perceived lack of consultation about changes and staff departures since Mr Ford started in 2018.
The Fair Work Commission recently cleared the way for a ballot on taking protected action-likely to be in the form of a four hour or day long strike.
The lack of confidence in Mr Ford coincides with Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations which resumed on Tuesday.
IEU assistant secretary David Brear said staff wanted to send a strong message to the Board.
The motion said in part: " We are deeply concerned at the damage that is being done to our school under his (Mr Ford's) leadership. We maintain our call for the Board to dismiss the Headmaster from his position."
Sources close to the school say that the EBA offer to staff would make Grammar teachers the best paid in northern Tasmania and the third highest in the state.
Board chairman Nigel Bailey said the Headmaster had the boards full backing.
"It is disappointing that a vote of no confidence has been carried but this vote needs to be put into context," he said.
"It was a motion proposed and actively promoted by the Independent Education Union (IEU) in the midst of enterprise agreement negotiations for staff at Launceston Grammar.
"As with all enterprise negotiations there have been, and continue to be, matters relating to a number of workplace conditions.
"Through this process, and as a high priority, we have been talking with, and listening to, our staff. As a result, constructive discussions have been held and we are addressing concerns.
"We value enormously our staff for their commitment and the work they do each day to give our students every opportunity to succeed.
"Negotiations have been progressing well and the School is due to put an attractive offer on the table which we believe will be received favourably.
"We will continue to negotiate in good faith to bring the agreement to successful completion for the benefit of our whole School community."
Nick Clark
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
