A FORMER head teacher who led a state-controlled school for almost two decades is to take up a management role at De La Salle College.
John Wilkinson, who was head of Dromore High from 1995 to 2015, will become the second `associate principal' at the west Belfast school.
De La Salle has been in turmoil over a breakdown in relations between some of the 70-strong staff and the principal Claire White for several months.
It has seen pickets by parents and sixth form pupils amid fears that summer exams will be affected, although concerned parents have agreed to temporarily suspend their daily public protest at the school gates.
INTO members at the school had been preparing to start industrial action short of strike this week. This would have involved not cooperating with the principal, including not taking any instruction from her and not giving her any information about their teaching.
Ms White is currently off work, however.
Associate principal Imelda Jordan has now written to parents to confirm Ms White's absence. Ms Jordan also explained that she too is due to take leave meaning a second associate has been appointed.
Mr Wilkinson, who is a Council for Catholic Maintained associate, will work alongside Ms Jordan upon her return. Mr Wilkinson has also been a council member of the north's CCEA exams board since 2006, and has acted as chairman of its audit and risk assurance committee. In addition, he is an associate for the Education Authority.
The Department of Education, meanwhile, has said it is yet to appoint a team to conduct an independent investigation into the school.
A spokeswoman said details were still being worked on, although the investigation is due to report by June.
The investigation will cover issues including staff welfare and work relationships and the role of senior leadership and management.
