This document outlines the content of a presentation on school governance given by Dr. Muavia Gallie. The presentation covers the history of parental involvement in schools, statutory provisions regulating school governance, the functions and duties of school governing bodies (SGB), and concludes with thanking the audience. Key points include that SGBs were established to give parents a say in their children's education, their duties include drafting a constitution and code of conduct, financial management of the school, and recommending educators for appointment. The presentation contained 18 slides covering these topics.

1. Tshwane University of Technology
Faculty of Humanities
Department of Education Studies
Education Management 4
- Session 6 -
School Governance
Presenter:
Dr Muavia Gallie (PhD)
12 March 2012
1
muavia@mweb.co.za
Content
1. Introduction
2. History of parental involvement;
3. School Governance and Institutional
Management;
4. Advantages of cooperation between
parents and educators;
5. Statutory provisions regulating
Governance;
6. Functions and Duties of SGB;
7. Conclusion.
1

2. 1. Introduction
• Intention of the SGB regulations was to
give parents a say in the education of
their children;
• This is part of the democratic
philosophy of the new government;
• Certainly benefits, but could lead to
abuse by individuals.
2. History of Parental Involvement
• Parent-Teacher (Student) Associations -
PTSAs and PTAs;
• Management Committees;
• School Boards;
• School Governing Councils
• School Governing Bodies.
2

3. 3. School Governance and
Institutional Management
• School Governance = principal, representatives of parents,
teachers, other staff and learners (in secondary schools);
- decision making in order to facilitate the policy process in the
school;
- does not deal with the specifics, but rather the principle
issues at hand;
- decision making focusing on the improvement of teaching
and learning in the school;
• Institutional Management = principal and school management
team (SMT);
- professional activities related to the core business of
education;
- decision making in the best interest of the learners;
- involves the day-to-day running of the school.
4. Advantages of cooperation
between parents and educators
1. Democratisation of education;
2. School climate;
3. Parents' expertise;
4. Education time;
5. Improved communication;
6. Parental duty.
3

4. 5. Statutory provisions
regulating Governance
• Composition of the Governing Body:
- Principal (ex-officio);
- Elected members;
- Co-opted members;
• Election of SGB members (Term of office;
nominations; disqualification and removal of members;
dissolution of SGB; vacant positions; representivity; total
members; category representatives);
• Election of Office-bearers and committees
(Chair; treasurer; secretary = all 1 year; committees may
co-opt experts from outside);
6. Functions and Duties of the SGB
1. Drafting of a Constitution (definition of concepts;
name and objectives; member categories; office-bearers;
filling vacancies; resignations; committees; expulsion;
functions; meetings [once per term; annual general
meeting; record minutes; inspect minutes; report per
term]; dissolution; amendments to constitution);
2. Mission Statement (rationale; target group; service
provided; orientation i.t.o. survival and growth;
management philosophy; responding to school
community needs; public business image of school);
3. Language policy (LoL, LoT, LoI);
4. Religious policy (attendance on free and voluntary
basis);
5. Code of Conduct for learners;
4

5. 6. Functions and Duties of the SGB ... Cont.
6. Suspension of learners (fair hearing; 1 week; more,
by SGB);
7. Admission policy (no test; not discriminate; no refusal
[fees; mission; indemnity agreement]; age requirements);
8. Supporting the staff (verbal to physical assault;
intimidation; harassment; insult);
9. School hours;
10. Financial matters (school fund; banking account; pay
money into account; secure and protect assets;
purposeful use of funds);
11. Movable and immovable property;
12. Service to the school (volunteerism);
6. Functions and Duties of the SGB ... Cont.
13. Recommendations for appointment of
educators (appointment, promotion or transfer only on
recommendation of SGB to HoD; HoD can decline
based on 'procedure', 'non-compliance', 'not registered',
'proof of undue influence', 'undermine democratic values
and principles');
• Correct procedure to be followed (advertise, apply, elect
interview committee, interview [+ observers], shortlist of 3, send
recommendation to HoD, HoD appoints);
• Correct criteria for refusal of recommendation
(affirmative action appointment vs best interest of children;
equality and equity during interviews by SGB; transfer of excess
educators; appointment or replacement of temporary
educators);
14. Educators employed by the school (working
time; leave, remuneration; termination);
5

6. 6. Functions and Duties of the SGB
15. Financial management (estimate needs, obtain
funds, administer finance) - adhere to general legal
requirements and educational legislation (financial
discipline, involve all in planning budget, share budget,
evaluate budget regularly, adhere to budget planning);
16. Additional Functions (maintain and improvements
of property, extra-mural activities, selection of subjects,
paying service providers, others);
17. Closure of school (SGB must know, enough time,
submit petition, consider petition);
18. Non-Functioning of SGB (HoD appoints persons
to exercise these functions; 3 months, not longer than 1
year).
• End.
Thank You!
6