Q1: What are local school boards?

A: Local school boards have been identified as one of the facets through which greater autonomy of schools can be achieved. They are bodies of no more than ten persons who are to support the administration of the school.

Q2: Who are the members of a local school board?

A: Local school boards are composed as follows:

• The principal
• A member of the school staff
• A member of the recognized teachers’ union
• Two members of the majority parent-teacher association (PTA) of the school
• A representative of the past pupils’ association (if there is one)
• Three persons from within the community in which the school is based, nominated by the Minister of Education as he deems necessary
• A member of the student body

Q3: What are the duties and powers of the local school board?

A: The duties and powers of the board fall into three major categories:

• Strategic planning
• Building community relationships
• Maintenance and upgrade of the physical facilities of the school.

The full duties and powers of the board can be found in the Education (Local School Boards) Regulations 2000.

Q4: What is the role of the local school board?

A: The role of the board is:

• To complement and support the strategic plan and policies of the Ministry of Education and the school.
• To contribute to school development and school improvement plans and assist, where possible, in the implementation of those plans.
• To act as policy adviser to support the initiatives of school-based management.
  
  
• Q5: What is the role of the principal on a board?
  
  A: To advise the board on areas of greatest need in the school.
  
  

  Nevertheless, management of the following remains the responsibility of the principal:

  • Management of academic work
  • Management of the curriculum
  • Curriculum leadership and development
  • Management of the staff and students of the school
  • To advise the Board on areas of greatest need in the school

  It is critical that the board and the principal understand each other’s respective roles and work collaboratively for the improvement and enhancement of student learning and outcomes.
  

Q6: What happens after a board has been inaugurated?

A: The following are the necessary steps:

• Hold an inaugural meeting 14 days after being established
• Establish operating procedures for the board
• Identify a Recording Secretary for the board
• Formally meet staff and students of the school
• Begin strategic planning process to identify short- and long-term goals

Q7: Are local school board members trained?

A: Training is conducted in the following areas:

• School Based Management

• General School Administration

• Local School Boards Operations

• Financial Management

• Project Planning and Development

• Facilities Planning and Maintenance

• Strategic Planning for Local School Boards

Q8: How many local school boards are there?

A: There are now 87 local school boards - Two in Tobago and eighty-five in Trinidad.

Q9: Are members of local school boards paid?

A: Yes, each member, except the principal, is paid a monthly stipend. The board is also provided with an annual grant for the first three years of operations to cover its administrative costs.