Local School Board Project Unit (LSBPU)

About

To support Local School Boards, a Local School Board Project Unit (LSBPU) was established in May 2004. The Vision of the Unit is “to be the dynamic team in the realisation of quality School Based Management through the establishment of successful Local School Boards.” This is achieved by, “transcending the expectation of our stakeholders with innovative and proactive work practices.”

Overview of Local School Boards

Local School Boards have been established in government schools at both the Primary and Secondary level by the Ministry of Education. This initiative taken by the Ministry of Education was seen as an instrumental move towards school based management and decentralization. School Based management has been identified as an important factor that results in improved levels of student achievement and school enrichment. Due to decentralization, authority would be given to all stakeholders giving them an opportunity to be a part of the decision-making process for improved quality, efficiency and effectiveness at schools.

Additionally, the Ministry recognises the importance of engaging the community in the delivery of quality education. The Ministry has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the local churches in the operation of Primary and Secondary Schools in the country. This relationship was formalised with the enactment of the Concordat of 1960, which outlined the shared responsibilities of both parties in the development of education. This partnership with the community continues to be nurtured with the process of installing Local School Boards (LSBs) in all Government Schools. These Local School Boards comprise members of the school’s administration, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), student representatives, Teacher representatives and community members. In addition, the Ministry has created a close partnership with the National Parent – Teachers’ Association as a vehicle for addressing the issues facing parents in the education and development of our children. These Boards have become institutionalized and are part of the strategic arm of the schools, lending support to the Principals and assisting with the achievement of the School Development Plan. Refer to below, taken from the Education Local School Board Regulations

LSB Stakeholders
The full duties of all members’ roles and responsibilities are outlined in the Local School Board manual which is available to the public.
Composition of a Local School Board – (The term of a board constituted by order is 2 years)

By legal notice in accord with the Education (Local School Board) regulations 2000, a Board constituted by Order made under Section 23 of the Act shall comprise the following persons appointed by the Minister:

The Principal or person acting in that post for the time being

A practicing member of the school’s staff other than the Principal

A member of the union most representative of teachers nominated by the union who is a practicing member of the school’s staff

Two members of the majority Parent Teachers’ Organization functioning and existing at the school, nominated by the members of the Organization

A representative of the Past Pupils’ Association, if any, of the school nominated by that association

A member of the student body who is diligent, conscientious and an all-round team player and is nominated by the student council of the school

Three persons nominated by the Minister as he deems necessary after consultation with the relevant interest groups and stakeholders within the community in which the school is located

The persons nominated by the Minister shall have an interest in the school and possess some form of expertise relevant to the operations of the Board. Each member on the Board plays an integral part that contributes to the Board’s success. In turn the schools benefit because its overall structure, system and image would be enhanced once the Boards do the work, lobby and liaise with all relevant agencies to ensure that the school is adequately serviced. The collaborative effort by all stakeholders on the Board with schools will lead to the improved holistic development of its students.

Duties and Power of the Local School Board

The duties and powers of the Board would all within three major categories:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Building community relationships
  • Maintenance and upgrade of school’s physical facilities

The full duties and powers of the Board can be found in the Education (Local School Boards) Regulations, 2005

Role of the Local School Board

The role of the Local School Board within the schools would be:

  • 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 advisers to support the initiatives of school-based management.

The Responsibilities of The LSBPU

The Local School Board Project Unit responsibilities include:

  1. To establish Local School Boards in all Government Schools.
  2. To monitor and evaluate the operations of Local School Boards, in conjunction with the School Supervision Division
  3. To liaise with and support the activities of Local School Boards.
  4. To train members of Local School Boards, as required.
  5. To liaise with various divisions in the Ministry of Education, as required, in the support of Local School Boards.
  6. To liaise with other Ministries, as required, in the support of Local School Boards.
  7. To develop policies and procedures to guide the operations of Local School Boards.
  8. To address any concerns or queries by members on the Local School Boards.
  9. To ensure that members are given their stipend payments.
  10. To ensure that the public is aware of the Local School Boards’ existence and it role within the school.

Services provided by the LSBPU

The Local School Board Project Unit services include:

  1. To establish Local School Boards in all Government Schools.
  2. To address any concerns or queries by members on the Local School Boards.
  3. To plan, implement and coordinate training activities for Local School Boards.
  4. To ensure that the public is aware of the Local School Boards’ existence and it role within the school.
  5. To assist in the planning and implementation of activities related to the inauguration of local school boards and other events.
  6. To prepare regular status reports on School Boards.
  7. To conduct enquiries and provide timely feedback to stakeholders.
  8. To conduct research on the operations of the Local School Boards.
  9. To assist in the monitoring and evaluation of Local School Boards.
  10. To design research instruments.
  11. To provide guidelines and clarification on LSB’s operations
  12. To share/guide LSB’s on MOE policies and procedures
  13. To assist in the preparation of monthly documentation for the payment of stipends
  14. To document issues raised by Boards and follows up on same until resolved.
  15. To liaises with LSB’s as required to update information on membership of the Board and other related matters
  16. To work with Schools to ensure vacant positions on the LSB’s are filled with suitable nominees

Contact

Local School Board Project Unit (LSBPU) 
Ministry of Education
Level 12, Building A
Education Towers
No. 5 St. Vincent Street,  
Port of Spain. 
Tel: 1 (868) 622-2181 (Ext. 2100/2102)
Email: localschoolboard@gov.tt