his own after news broke of a dispute at Victor Scott Primary.

Livingston Tuzo, in a prepared statement yesterday, said the Association is "very disturbed'' at attacks on the "credibility and reputation'' of principal Esme Trott.

Parents last week spoke out about their displeasure that a dispute between Mrs. Trott and a minority of her teachers was affecting their children in the Pembroke school.

On Sunday, Education Minister Milton Scott said he was aware of the situation and would order Education Ministry officials to meet with parents soon to appraise them of negotiations with the Bermuda Union of Teachers.

But yesterday Mr. Tuzo said: "The ASP is very concerned that this staffing matter is presently in the grievance process and that the public comments made by various sectors of the education community will taint the objectivity of the proceedings.'' He agreed with a parent who said Mrs. Trott had made a "valuable contribution to the school community and children''.

"We trust that common sense will prevail, to ensure a just resolution to this matter,'' Mr. Tuzo added. "We must keep in mind that it is the children at Victor Scott who are being adversely affected by these unfortunate set of circumstances.''