School management challenges

This call is supported by the literature and the authorities very often publicly echo this sentiment in their quest to ensure that schools are successful.

Unfortunately, this message is contradicted by the instructions that emanate from the Ministry of Education, with the net result being frustration and exasperation experienced by school administrators.

This dilemma is even more acute regarding government secondary schools. The latest case in point relates to the release of funds for schools. Following the closing of accounts on July 15, schools were forced to function without monies in their vote until December 1. For almost six months school administrators were forced to magically keep their schools open and running smoothly without any money.

Before the closing of accounts, administrators must therefore ensure that they procure sufficient supplies and resources to ensure the smooth running of their respective schools for most of the first term, since one cannot predict when monies will be released.

Unfortunately, this arrangement does not cater for emergencies.

While every effort is made to ensure that plant and machinery are serviced before the closing of accounts, there is always the possibility of emergency malfunction that can even force the school plant to close. When these situations occur administrators have to wait on the Ministry of Education to mobilise the services of the Education Facilities Company Ltd. No wonder so many schools are forced to close their doors when sewer, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems malfunction.

Financial regulations issued by the ministry also strictly forbid schools from entering into any credit arrangements with suppliers of goods/services while there is no money in the vote. In addition to the need to ensure that the school plant is up and running and able to deliver curriculum, schools are extolled to participate in competitions approved by the Ministry of Education during the period September- December.

Participation in these competitions necessitates transportation of students throughout the country as well as outfitting them with necessary uniforms and equipment, and payment of coaches.

Guess what, principals and schools have to fund these activities without money.

The latest release from the Ministry of Education was accompanied by strict financial guidelines which now include a requirement for schools to obtain three quotations for every purchase of goods/ services through the school vote.

In essence, if a light bulb has to be changed in a school, the school has to ensure that it obtains three quotations from suppliers before such an invoice can be approved.

This represents a deviation from the past whereby purchases under $50,000 could have been approved without the need for three quotations.

This new instruction will undoubtedly place principals and school administrators in a very difficult situation. This change was made without the courtesy of any consultation with school officials.

Is this the best recipe for the delivery of quality education? How can the authorities reasonably ask principals to take charge and manage their respective schools with such draconian financial systems? How can schools prepare students to meet School Based Assessment requirements of practical subjects such as food and nutrition when during the September term foodstuff needed to do practicals cannot be purchased? Surely the Minister of Education as a former principal should be aware of this dilemma and take the necessary steps to ensure that school administrators are relieved of this unfair burden. Mr Minister, while there is need for accountability, there must be reason in the application of rules.

There is urgent need for consultation with school administrators on this matter.