Southfield Technical College head teacher Lynda Dalkin steps down
The head teacher of a second Cumbrian school has stepped down as a consultation process to replace them with an academy moves forward.
Lynda Dalkin, of Workington's Southfield Technical College, announced earlier that Monday is her last day.
Chris McGrath, head teacher at Workington's Stainburn School, left his post on Friday.
Both schools, which are currently in special measures, are expected to close at the end of the year.
A spokesman for Cumbria County Carlisle said "interim arrangements" would be put in place with regards leadership of the schools.
'Big job to do'
Ms Dalkin said: "Once the process begins to close or merge schools, an existing head teacher would always be in a difficult position.
"There is a big job to do with a short timescale to do it in and the person with that responsibility will need to make fast progress and not to be held up by an existing head's presence.
"I believe the local authority still values my skills and experience and there is therefore an intention to discuss with me how they will be used within the authority after I leave Southfield."
Announcing his departure on Friday, Mr McGrath told colleagues: "In the light of recent events and the many challenges currently facing us all I have decided, after much thought and consideration, to move on to other things."
Both schools were placed in special measures following inspections last month by Ofsted.
The 1,200 students affected will be taught in the academy from January, operating out of one or both existing buildings, with a new home expected to be completed by the end of 2017.