Northlands acting principal Mr. Warren Jones said yesterday he was ready to begin a new chapter in his life.

"It was a very difficult decision to make,'' Mr. Jones told The Royal Gazette . "I planned on making my career in education and I've had to make a career switch.'' Mr. Jones, who was hired on as a personnel manager by the Bermuda Telephone Company on November 1, sparked a storm of angry protests from parents and teachers last June when he was rejected as Northlands' principal by the Public Service Commission.

Although court action against the Commission is "still pending,'' Mr. Jones suggested last night that he wanted to put the controversy behind him.

"I'm really grateful to (Telco) for giving me this opportunity,'' he said.

"As has been my history, I'll be putting my best foot forward and trying to create a mutually beneficial relationship.'' When asked if his departure from education was permanent, Mr. Jones replied: "I've made a commitment to Telco.'' In previous statements, lawyer Mr. Julian Hall, representing Mr. Jones, has said the Commission was breaking the law when it failed to consider the popular acting principal for the top job.

Last night, Mr. Jones declined to comment on his action, preferring instead to discuss his new job.

"My duties are varied,'' he said. "It's mostly to do with human resources, although there are a lot of similarities (between running a school and his current position).'' In September, Mr. Jones also turned down a job as music teacher at St.

George's Secondary School.