The planned recruitment of school principals was yesterday put on hold because of a judicial review into the appointment of the Commissioner of Education.

The Board of Education said as the hiring of Kalmar Richards, a former CedarBridge Academy principal was under judicial review, new head teacher appointments could not be made.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said: “There is currently a judicial review process under way regarding the recommendation to the Public Service Commission for the appointment of the post of Commissioner of Education.

“As the judicial review is ongoing, with a decision not expected for several months, the Board of Education has cancelled the recruitment of principals. The Board of Education will revisit the recruitment of principals following a decision of the courts on this matter.”

The spokeswoman added: “Due to the closure of TN Tatem Middle School for the 2019/20 school year, Garita Coddington, principal of TN Tatem, will be temporarily reassigned to Clearwater Middle School for September 2019.”

Kenneth Caesar, Cindy Weeks and Suzette Cheeseman will continue as principals for CedarBridge Academy, Harrington Sound Primary School and Gilbert Institute, respectively.

The spokeswoman said: “The recruitment for the post of principal for Sandys Secondary Middle School is not affected by the judicial review as the relevant section of the Education Act 1996 relates to maintained schools only.

“However, Kalley Baxter-Williams will also continue to serve as acting principal.”

The spokesman said the Department of Education told parents, principals, school staff and others, including the Bermuda Public Services Union and the Bermuda Union of Teachers, about the effect of the judicial review yesterday.

The judicial view was launched by Gina Tucker, a veteran teacher and administrator, after she was passed over for the Commissioner’s post in favour of Ms Richards.

Dr Tucker claimed she was not treated fairly because of “bad blood” between herself and Valerie Robinson-James, the education ministry permanent secretary.

The Board of Education has disputed the allegations and insisted personal prejudice played no part in the hiring process.