A primary school principal has been ordered to transfer to another school in September — prompting her professional body to file a grievance with the Ministry of Education.

Gina Tucker was told last week she must leave Victor Scott Primary School at the end of this month but was not advised where she would be sent. Dr. Tucker, who wants to stay at the school, told The Royal Gazette yesterday that the order came from the Ministry of Education after a grievance was filed against her by a member of her staff.

The matter involving her and school counsellor Anthony Peets was referred to arbitration by the Department of Labour and arbitrator Clevelyn Crichlow is understood to have recommended that she be removed from the school.

The Association of School Principals (ASP) said yesterday it had filed a complaint against the acting commissioner of education, Wendy McDonell, who issued the order to Dr. Tucker. The ASP claims Mrs. McDonell's decision is in breach of the collective agreement it has with Government and that any notice of transfer would need to have been given before March 31 to allow time for a proper handover with a new principal.

ASP president Lisa Smith was due to meet with the association's lawyer early yesterday evening.

She said: "I'm very concerned about how the membership is being treated.

"We have a contract that's just as binding as any other trade union, a bargaining agreement, and they seem to be circumventing it.

"What happens with Gina will set the precedent with what happens with all of us in the future. Today, it's Dr. Tucker; tomorrow, it could be someone else."

Ms Smith said the removal of Dr. Tucker at such short notice could have an adverse effect on pupils' education. And she claimed the disciplinary matter involving the principal and Mr. Peets had been mishandled by the Ministry.

Dr. Tucker said she and her teachers had transformed the ailing Pembroke school since she took over as principal eight years ago and that she was saddened by the order to leave.

"It's not a good feeling," she said. "It's not a good feeling for the staff; it's not a good feeling for the parents. Everybody is very, very concerned about the future of Victor Scott.

"As far as I know, the arbitrator has made a recommendation and recommendations can be overturned by the Minister."

She said to not know "at this late stage" where she was to be transferred was very concerning. The principal, who has an eight-year-old son at Victor Scott, said many parents had threatened to remove their children if she left and some teachers had suggested they might resign.

"This school is in a marvellous place," said Dr. Tucker. "This building has been spectacular, outstanding. Teachers are working hard, children have done remarkable work in their tests.

"I'm saddened by the fact that all of that could be compromised as a result of a matter involving two individuals. I would like to continue the programmes and continue the work that's being done here by this marvellous staff."

She added: "Mr. Peets left this building eight weeks ago and he has not returned."

A source close to the school, who would not be named, claimed yesterday that many teachers were unhappy with Dr. Tucker's management. But the principal told this newspaper she believed she had the support of most staff.

Parent-teacher association president Rena West said the majority of parents were horrified at the thought of Dr. Tucker leaving and that she and her husband had spoken to the Education Minister about the matter.

She said: "I'm very concerned that the school could be compromised with Dr. Tucker not being there. If she is not there, then our child will likely not be in the public school system."

ASP general secretary Alan Leigh said the grievance against Mrs. McDonell was sent to Education permanent secretary Kevin Monkman yesterday morning and that he had ten days to reply.

"Normally I would expect it to go to a body of people appointed by the ASP, meeting with people from the Department of Education, to see if between us we can sort it out," he added.

Mrs. McDonell is understood to have visited Victor Scott yesterday to talk to staff, along with Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) general secretary Mike Charles and other union officials.

Mr. Charles said BUT member Mr. Peets was on medical leave from the school and his absence was not connected to the arbitration.

The Ministry of Education said yesterday it had no comment, as did Mr. Peets. Arbitrator Mr. Crichlow said he was unable to discuss his recommendation.