Legal changes are needed to standardise the appointment of future education commissioners, the shadow education minister said yesterday.Cole Simons added that the Court of Appeal ruling in the case of veteran teacher and education official Gina Tucker highlighted the need for a statutory process to appoint candidates to the post.He said: “We have had issues before with the Board of Education and the appointment of previous commissioners and principals. “These procedures are very important and they will define the process and maintain the integrity of the process.“It will also protect the interest of the stakeholders from the Board of Education, the Department of Education, the applicants who apply for the roles of Commissioner of Education and principals. “It will also help the Public Service Commission in its role when making these appointments.”Mr Simons asked the Government to amend the Education Act to fill the “gap in the law” and minimise the risk of legal action over future appointments.Dr Tucker had asked for a declaration that the 2018 appointment of Kalmar Richards as education commissioner was null and void as it was not carried out fairly under the legislation.But the Court of Appeal dismissed the case yesterday and upheld the appointment.• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding court cases. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.