TEACHERS at Brecon High School passed a vote of no confidence in headteacher Ingrid Gallagher just days before her suspension.Powys County Council announced the head of the troubled comprehensive, which has been hit by a teachers' strike, was suspended from her post last Friday, April 15.The Brecon & Radnor Express can also confirm that two teachers, selected for compulsory redundancy, have won a reprieve.The school's new chair of governors, Councillor David Meredith has told staff the 'immediate threat to compulsory teaching redundancies' has been lifted. Teaching union the NASUWT staged six one day strikes at the 800 pupil comprehensive over the past month over the decision to make compulsory redundancies as the school grapples with a £600,000 budget deficit.It said the governing body had given the two teachers selected for compulsory redundancy their jobs back without them having to go to appeal.Powys County Council said the suspension of headteacher Mrs Gallagher was a 'neutral act' to allow it to carry out an investigation into 'concerns that have been raised', and not disciplinary action.It has refused to discuss the reasons behind the suspension but The Brecon & Radnor Express understands that non teaching staff have made a series of complaints regarding the management of the school with the governing body.Councillor David Jones, who is the county council board member responsible for schools, said following the suspension: "Our priority is to restore confidence in the school and ensure that it is providing efficient and effective education for all learners, particularly at a time when we are moving into a crucial exam period for many students."The education authority is committed to working with the school's governing body, staff and community to make sure that the school provides the best possible education for all learners during what is a very challenging period for all schools."Councillor Meredith added: "We are grateful for the help and support of the LEA (local education authority) and we will be working with them to re-build confidence in our school and continue to deliver excellent education achievements."

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