EDUCATION, Sport & Culture has passed on the opportunity to have a quick and clean resolution to its future. That is a mistake that means a cloud will continue to hang over crucial work on which quick and clear progress needs to be made. It discussed the impending motion of no-confidence yesterday morning and, while not commenting publicly, it told deputies it will get on with the work to move to an all-ability secondary system – inviting them all to a workshop at the end of January to discuss what to do.
Had the board all resigned and stood again for a fresh mandate, today's States meeting could have brought this sorry saga to a close.
Instead things are now heading to a divisive no-confidence debate on 11 January.
The very least the public and deputies could expect yesterday was a clear answer about Education's intentions – this is not a situation to hide from the spotlight.
There will be at least one new member elected after Deputy Marc Leadbeater resigned at the weekend.
The four remaining may well be hoping that time buys them breathing space. That they will be able to make their case that they can deliver, not only on an education system that the majority of them argued against, but on the other major issues the committee is dealing with.
There are some big names being touted as possible replacements as president – Peter Roffey, Peter Ferbrache and Jonathan Le Tocq have all been linked to the job.
None have made their intentions clear, but that would be something that could swing it for members fearful that there is no credible alternative.
Some members are shying away from the vote because of the timing so early in the term – and because they do not want to be seen as criticising colleagues.
Neither are compelling arguments for leaving a split committee limping along and in charge of a policy change that will impact on the whole island.
A worse scenario could yet unfold.
Who replaces Deputy Leadbeater?It is conceivable the States will be left electing a replacement that also does not believe the States made the correct decision on selection.
