The English Schools Foundation principal who was voted out of her job by her school council and was said to have demanded $3.2 million 'to go quietly' has quit.
Vanessa Bingham, of Kennedy School, Pokfulam, resigned with effect from December 31. She had been told her services would no longer be required when her contract expired in August amid a number of allegations, including one that she refused to allow education officers access to the school for an inspection. A leaked ESF letter later alleged that she threatened to tell her story if she was not paid $3.2 million. Sources said the final settlement was 'nowhere near' that sum. Staff rallied to her support but the ESF endorsed the council's recommendation. Deputy principal Paul Hamblin has been appointed as acting principal until a new head is selected.
Acting chief executive John Bohan said in a letter to parents that the ESF 'totally supported' the school's council chaired by Sunil Nanda. Staff have called for the chairman's resignation. Steve Cray
