Board of Education chairman Darren Johnston is believed to have resigned after just over a year in the position.

And his deputy, Vince Ingham, is said to have handed in his resignation to Education Minister El James as well.

This comes after former chairman Mark Byrne resigned after just six months in the job.

He cited his reason for leaving as a lack of "political will" to improve the Island's public schools.

Mr. Johnston was appointed chairman of the board tasked with overhauling the failing public education system last September. This newspaper understands Mr. Johnston and Mr. Ingham were upset after comments made by Mr. James regarding the possible consolidation of Government schools.

Last week, Mr. James said Government could close some schools for the beginning of the next school year and could reduce staff in the Ministry of Education. He said the moves were aimed at reducing costs, and said some schools could be converted to Ministry offices to cut office rental costs.

Money and facilities were also needed for a special needs school as the system had to cater to a growing number of children with special education needs, including autism, the Minister said.

Yesterday, a source said: "Both he [Mr. Johnston] and Vince Ingham submitted their resignations last week because of the comments made in the paper that they knew nothing about.

"Too many things were going on without them being involved."

Mr. Ingham wouldn't confirm or deny the resignations.

"No I don't have any comment actually. I believe Darren is off Island and is back next week. If there's any comment forthcoming, I would expect it from Darren.

"I am not in a position to confirm anything so I would only say that Darren is chairman and speaks to board issues and he will be the only one who will make any statements," he told The Royal Gazette. Mr. James would not comment.

Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons said: "If confirmed, the reported resignations of Mr. Darren Johnston and Mr. Vince Ingham are a great loss to the Education Board and the public education system.

"Both are extremely capable individuals who have made significant contributions and have a lot to offer in guiding the education reform process.

"Their reported resignations raise serious doubts about Minister James' ability to work with his board appointees and manage the reform of the education system for the benefit of students and parents."

He continued: "It would appear that the Minister has difficulty in truly understanding the meaning of consultation.

"This is yet more bad news coming out of the Ministry since the start of the school year in September and suggests that Mr. James should seriously consider asking the new PLP leader for a change in portfolio assignment when the new Cabinet is appointed."

Education spokesman for the Bermuda Democratic Alliance Myron Piper said: "My only response to the rumour as it relates to Mr. Johnston resigning as chairman of the Board of Education is that if he chooses to do so, he does so under the guise of full disclosure to the people of this Country.

"There are just too many people willing to bury their heads in the sand and pretend that many outstanding issues don't exist or that these sorts of problems are a manifestation of 'haters' and protractors of the Government.

"Until people like Mr. Johnston offer full disclosure as to the events and conditions they have to contend with, the public is no more aware or enlightened about the circumstances responsible for the continued failings in education."

Mr. Johnston did not respond to requests for comment by press time.