Alison Annan gets her job back

2.30pm - By STUART DYE

UPDATE - Alison Annan has won her legal fight to return as principal of Cambridge High School but will not be allowed through the school gates.

The controversial principal announced her resignation a month ago amid accusations of staff bullying, allegations of financial mismanagement and in the aftermath of a damning report by the Qualifications Authority.

But her argument to the Employment Relations Authority that she had not resigned, merely expressed an intention to do so, has been accepted as "an arguable case".

Her title as principal of the Waikato school will be restored - as will her $100,000 salary. But the authority ruled that she is to be reinstated to the payroll without being authorised to return to the school, unless asked to by Commissioner Dennis Finn.

Mr Finn, who was appointed to the role last week after Education Minister Trevor Mallard dissolved the board, said today that she would not be invited back.

"No, it's not going to happen under any circumstances. As far as the school goes, it's business as usual."

The authority accepted Mrs Annan had a case for unjustifiable dismissal or unjustifiable constructive dismissal. The order will see her return to the position of principal pending a full hearing of her claim in mid October this year.

The day-to-day running of the school will remain in the hands of acting principal Jim Bennett and Mr Finn.

Mrs Annan said in a statement today that she was relieved to be back on the payroll and to have her status as principal restored.

In the short term she accepted that her return to the school would simply exacerbate the divisiveness and controversy which surrounded her departure and its aftermath.

"I am determined to prove at the full hearing that I should be restored to my full duties as principal of Cambridge High School," said Mrs Annan.

"I believe that the best interests of the school will be served by my return. I am confident that I can work with the Commissioner and a new Board."

Her lawyer Nikki Rice said there would be no further public comments until after the full hearing of her application.