The Department of Education and Training has not attempted to fill permanent positions at Bredbo and Adaminaby Public schools, instead appointing relieving principals for the time being.

Jerangle Public School has also lost its principal Mark Gardiner to Bredbo to relieve the position, while Anne-Marie Hurley from Jindabyne Central School has been appointed relieving principal at Adaminaby after the school suddenly lost its principal, Lorne Smith.

Department of Education and Training (DET)'s school education director for the Sapphire Coast/ Monaro area Bob Aston said the relatively late notice given by the two school principals was the reason DET sought relief staff.

"We became aware of the vacancy at Adaminaby in the last week of last term, so we didn't get much warning there, and we've been aware about the vacancy at Bredbo since the second half of last term," Mr Aston said.

"We're looking to fill those positions as soon as is practical, but first we need to get a panel together and talk to the P and C.

"I expect we will get a good number of applications when we advertise those permanent positions, as Bredbo and Adaminaby are great schools, and are places new principals can get a good grounding in their role before moving onto larger schools," he said.

A teacher from Jerrabomberra (Queanbeyan) is acting as relieving principal. A permanent position there will not be advertised at this stage, as Mr Gardiner is still employed as a teacher there.