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The Board of Management in an
ETB School
• A Board of Management for an ETB school
has a clear remit to manage the school on
behalf of the ETB (and the Trustee partner if
it is a designated community college) in
accordance with
– Legislation
– DES circulars, guidelines & procedures
– Any policies/strategies the ETB may establish
regarding the operation of its schools
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Board of Management Role
• Boards are populated by nominees of the
various stakeholders i.e. ETB, Trustees, Parents,
Staff, etc.
• The BOM operates at all times in the best
interest of the School.
• Nominees - not Reps
– Nominees are not representative of their nominating
body. (which means avoiding any perception that
they are promoting personal or particular sectional
interests)
3
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Governance
• The main Governance functions of the Board of
Management are:
• Supporting the Principal and his/her staff
• Policy formation and strategic planning
• Monitoring the implementation of Policy, Strategy, and
Plans
• The best Boards comply with the five principles of good
Governance by:
• Providing leadership
• Exercising control
• Being transparent and accountable
• Working effectively
• Behaving with integrity
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• Attend board meetings regularly and come
prepared to meetings
• Make reasonable efforts to inform themselves
about matters relevant to their work on the
board
• Avail of the training provided for board
members, and set aside time to get to know
the staff and the facilities
Key Duties of Board Members
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• School Plan & DEIS Plan - annual adoption of plan, regular review, policy
review calendar
• SSE
• Finances – ETB is the corporate entity thus has ultimate responsibility for
finances. BOM responsible for how annual budget is spent and accounted for.
• Premises & equipment - minor repairs, books, stationery, materials &
equipment from annual budget
• Reporting – annual report
• Code of Behaviour
• Admission, Suspension & Expulsion of students
• School inspections – BOM specifically involved in WSE-MLL
• Annual adoption of Educational Scheme – programmes & subjects
offered by the school.
• Staffing – BOM in an ETB school has no HR function. BOM is responsible for
approving the schedule of posts.
• School attendance – strategy document for TUSLA
• Child Protection & Anti-Bullying
Specific Responsibilities
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Role of the Chairperson
• Establish and maintain a professional
relationship with the Principal, characterised by
mutual trust, respect and honesty
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the
business of the school
• Make it safe for all members to express their
views
• Be able to cope with conflict and use conflict
constructively
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Role of the Chairperson
• Conduct the business of the board efficiently
• Invite all members to participate in discussions
and decision making ensuring a fair balance of
participation at meetings
• Progress the business of the board during and
between meetings
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Role of the Secretary
• Agree dates for meetings with Chair
• Prepare the agenda in consultation with Chair
• Issue seven days notice to Board members and
the CE & EO of meetings
• Ensure notice for BOM meetings include –
• Notice of Meeting
• Draft copy of minutes of previous meeting
• Agenda
• Draft policies for review / adoption
• Principal’s Report
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• Briefs BOM Members on the various items
under discussion
• Receives and deals with correspondence of the
Board
• Convenes, in consultation with the Chairperson,
emergency meetings
• Advises the Board of a WSE/MLL/SI
• Records and writes minutes
Role of the Secretary
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Principal’s Report to the Board
1. Teaching and Learning
– Leader Meetings / in-service attended & the impact on School Management
& Development
– Teacher in-service attended & the impact on Teaching & Learning
– Systems introduced to improve Teaching and Learning
– Curricular & Co-curricular activities
2. School Development Planning/School Self Evaluation
– School priorities for the year
– Inspection reports
– Subject Department Planning including Croke Park Hours
3. Pastoral Care
– Pastoral Care update
– Child Protection
• Matters Reported to HSE
• Advice Sought
– Anti-Bullying
• Matters Reported
• Action Taken
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Principal’s Report to the Board
4. Update on school events
Arts/Sports/Activities
Student achievements/awards
5. Staff matters
6. Student matters
7. Links with the community
8. Buildings & maintenance
9. Health & Safety
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Specific items on the annual Agenda
• September / October
– School Plan/Priorities for the year
– State Exam results analysis & First Destination Report
– Child Protection, Anti bullying and Health and Safety annual checklists
• November / December
– Policy review
• January / February
– Policy Review
– Financial planning, preparation of estimate of income and expenditure
• March / April
– Projected Enrolment & Educational Scheme
• May
– School Self Evaluation
– Review Progress on Annual Priorities
– BOM Self Evaluation, review of BOM 3/5 Yr Plan
Teaching & Learning on every agenda
Editor's Notes
Convenes, in consultation with the Chairperson, emergency meetings e.g. S. 29 Appeals
Emergency/Special meetings may be called as required with as much notice as possible. Notice to include reason for meeting
