A School Board is a legally formed body that, in partnership with the Principal, is given powers to set and monitor the key directions of a school. It is the major governing body of the school and oversees the school’s performance. The Board does not have a role in the school management. This is the responsibility of the Principal and involves educational leadership and the effective day-to-day administration, supervision and control of the school and its staff. Meetings are held twice per term. Board members may be in office for a three year term but can be reinstated for a further term upon nomination.
The school Board meets twice a term to:
- Establish and review from the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions;
- Plan financial arrangements necessary to fund those objectives, priorities and directions;
- Evaluate the school’s performance in achieving those objectives, priorities and directions; and
- Formulate codes of conduct for students at the school.
Board Member roles:
- Parent members of Boards bring their experience as parents at the school, and the views and context of the wider school community;
- Community members may bring expertise such as business, or accounting skills that the Board is looking for at that time; and
- Department of Education employees bring their educational expertise.
Guiding Legislation:
School Board decision making takes place within a framework of legislation, industrial agreements and policies:
- School Education Regulations 2000;
- School Education Act 1999 (section 124);
- The Board’s Terms of Reference;
- Industrial agreements;
- Other relevant legislation (Equal Opportunity Act);
- Government policies (Public Sector Standards); and
- Mandated Department policies.