A primary school principal ordered to transfer to another school in September is no closer to knowing her fate despite filing a grievance over three weeks ago.

Gina Tucker was told in early June that she must leave Victor Scott Primary School at the end of term, making yesterday her last day as principal.

She remains uncertain whether she will be able to return to Victor Scott next term or have to move elsewhere, despite her professional body The Association of School Principals (ASP) filing a complaint on her behalf in early June.

Dr. Tucker would not confirm whether the Ministry of Education had replied to her grievance by the June 17 deadline, but did say she had been "communicating" with the department.

"There has been communication," she said. "I expect a decision very shortly."

A Ministry spokesperson would not confirm whether Permanent Secretary Kevin Monkman had replied to Dr. Tucker's grievance as required, saying: "Our policy is to not comment on personnel matters."

Dr. Tucker, who wants to stay at the school, told The Royal Gazette last month that the order to change schools came from the Ministry of Education after a grievance was filed against her by a member of her staff.

The matter involving her and school counsellor Anthony Peets was referred to arbitration by the Department of Labour, with the resulting recommendation understood to be that she leave the school.

Sources close to Victor Scott told The Royal Gazette this week that the school's Parent Teacher Association had been circulating a petition to the Ministry to keep Dr. Tucker as principal. PTA president Rena West could not be reached to confirm this by press time.

Staff at the Pembroke primary are said to be split, with some supportive of Dr. Tucker's bid to remain principal and others unhappy with her management.

One source close to the school, who would not be named, said Dr. Tucker's transfer was considered by many to be a done deal.

"There was a meeting with the staff and the Minister of Education a few weeks ago," she said. "He explained the binding arbitration process, and explained that it could not be overturned, and that Dr. Tucker would not be returning in September.

"A bidding arbitration is a binding arbitration."

It is unknown whether there has been any communication to date between the Ministry of Education and the parents of students at Victor Scott. A spokesman for the Ministry did not respond when asked whether Victor Scott parents or students have been informed who their Principal will be at the start of next term, or when they can expect to be told.

The end of term for students was last Friday June 26, while the staff were dismissed yesterday.