The Ministry of Education is expected to announce the new principal of Francis Patton Primary School any day.

The Royal Gazette understands former teacher Garita Coddington will take over the role from Gloria Martin.

Mrs. Martin will move to Dalton E. Tucker Primary School.

The Francis Patton post has been marred by controversy after it was announced that Gina Tucker would head the school this coming September.

Dr. Tucker was the principal of Victor Scott Primary School for eight years. She was moved to the Ministry last June after guidance counsellor Anthony Peets filed a grievance against her.

It was announced in March that she would head Francis Patton Primary School as part of a reshuffle of principals.

But parents protested the appointment and the Ministry of Education issued a statement on Monday which said Dr. Tucker would continue in her post as Policy and Project Officer within the Department of Education.

A source told this newspaper Mrs. Coddington was involved with Iteach, a programme aimed at empowering educators.

"She was a mentor at one time and since being a mentor, I don't think she went back to the classroom. I am almost certain she is [the new principal] because I think she was introduced to the staff at Francis Patton. She is going to Francis Patton. "

The source said the other principals involved in the reshuffle have also been introduced to their new schools.

"They have announced these people as interim principals. Normally principals have to be confirmed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and these people haven't been confirmed.

"There are about five of them designated as interim principals. I don't know what's going to happen if they don't decide to confirm these principals."

But a spokesman for the Ministry said: "The Department of Education will not be making a formal announcement regarding principal appointments. However, we will confirm that a recommendation has gone to the (PSC) for consideration with the expectation that the PSC will support our recommendation.

"We felt that it was important to take the interim principals to their schools so that they could meet the staff before the commencement of the 2010/11 academic year."

Back in March, Education Commissioner Wendy McDonell said the transfers were "to facilitate and promote site renewal and professional growth, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge to their new settings".

Education Minister El James fully supported the move. He said: "This should be a great opportunity for principals to hone their craft in new environments."

Principals who were reassigned were:

¦ Gladstone Thompson, to St. David's Primary from Dalton E. Tucker;

¦ Kimberly Creighton to Elliot Primary from St. David's Primary;

¦ Gloria Martin to Dalton E. Tucker Primary from Francis Patton Primary;

¦ Mrs. Coddington to Francis Patton Primary.

An Education spokesman said primary school principals are reshuffled every few years.