Education Minister El James has praised overseas education expert Henry Johnson, who left his post this week (March 31).

The American consultant, brought here in 2007 to implement the recommendations in the critical Hopkins report on public schools, was due to stay until June but cut short his two-year contract for personal reasons.

Mr. James said: "Dr. Johnson has been invaluable in helping us implement many important initiatives in our efforts to reform Bermuda's public education system. "I have only had the opportunity to work with Dr. Johnson for four months but during that time he has provided invaluable insight into both the educational process and the development of educational policy.

"We in the Ministry [of Education] and indeed all of Bermuda owe Dr. Johnson their gratitude for the excellent work he has done and we will be sad to see him go."

Dr. Johnson, an assistant secretary in the US Department of Education under former President George W. Bush, came out of retirement to become consultant executive officer for education in September 2007.

He was later made acting commissioner of education as well. He said: "I have enjoyed my time in Bermuda. There have been challenges and not everything has gone smoothly in reforming Bermuda's education system.

"However, such challenges are to be expected and I feel they are outweighed by the positive changes that have been implemented.

"I believe the Ministry of Education is on course to provide a world class education system for the students of Bermuda."

Wendy McDonell, the Ministry's director of educational standards and accountability, will be acting commissioner until a permanent appointment is made.