A new Commissioner of Education will not be in place in time for the beginning of the new school year.

The post has remained vacant since April when Dr Edmond Heatley resigned from the position. Dr Lou Matthews will continue as Acting Commissioner as the Board of Education continue to look for the best candidate.

A spokesperson for the Board told The Royal Gazette: “While the Board has been working diligently around the process for selection of the next Commissioner of Education, we can confirm that at the opening of the new school year, Dr Lou Matthews, assisted by his senior team, will be continuing in the role of Acting Commissioner.

“The Board will be undertaking the broadest search possible with a view to attracting the very best candidate for this very important role.”

The spokesperson did not say when they hoped to have a new Commissioner in place.

Dr Heatley resigned as Commissioner of Education following controversy over his interest in a schools superintendent post in New Orleans.

The former US Marine, who assumed the post last September, interviewed for the job of Orleans Parish schools superintendent just months after taking up the Bermuda position.

He went on to press his claims for the New Orleans role after resigning as Commissioner, but missed out on the job earlier this week.