Education Commissioner Edmond Heatley has resigned, just seven months after taking the job.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Economic Development Ross Webber announced this afternoon that Dr Heatley will continue through a period of notice until April 30 before being replaced by Acting Commissioner Lou Matthews.

“The last few weeks have been a challenging time for all involved with the Education portfolio,” Mr Webber said. “It is important that Dr Matthews and the entire team in the Department of Education get the backing and support of education stakeholders and the whole community as we move forward with the progression of our education system.”

Mr Webber said the Board of Education — who are responsible for hiring the Commissioner — have been informed of the resignation and have begun the process of looking for Dr Heatley’s replacement.

He said Dr Heatley did not put forward any reasons for his resignation, nor did Mr Webber seek any, but he denied that Mr Heatley had been given an ultimatum to resign or be fired.

And Mr Webber further denied the suggestion that there had been a lack of communication between Dr Heatley and the Ministry which may have caused the Education Commissioner to seek employment elsewhere.

“I have had several discussions with Dr Heatley, and the issue of whether or not there had been a lack of communication leading up to his departure for the Christmas break in December is false,” Mr Webber said.

“I can also verify the fact that we met, and the Minister met with the full team at the Department of Education at Southside on December 18, and there have been several communications prior to the change in ministries and after the change in ministries.”

Education Minister Grant Gibbons added: “After the announcement of the portfolios both the Permanent Secretary and I moved quickly to meet with then Permanent Secretary Warren Jones and Dr Heatley. Those happened until the point where the entire department went on Christmas Break. There was no lack of consultation in that period.

“I had heard those reports, and I believe they are nonsense.”

Dr Heatley assumed the post of Education Commissioner in September after the previous Commissioner, Wendy McDonell, finished her tenure.

His appointment generated controversy, with complaints that Bermudian applicants had been passed over for the job. He returned to the spotlight last month after it was revealed he had applied in December for the job of Orleans Parish schools superintendent, prompting calls for his resignation.

Dr Heatley’s woes were further compounded recently when local school principals issued a vote of no confidence via the Bermuda Public Services Union.