Board Of Management

Board of Management Background

In 1975 a system of Boards of Management was established for national schools. Prior to this they had each been managed by an individual manager, usual the local clergyman. The introduction of Boards of Management provided opportunities for a partnership of parents, teachers, Patrons’ representatives and community representatives in the task of school management.

The Role of the Board

The Board of Management is charged by the Patron (Bishop) and the Department of Education and Skills with responsibility for the running of the school as prescribed in legislation. Subject to the Rules for National Schools and to the Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure and to circulars issued from time to time by the minister for Education and Skills, Boards of Management are responsible for the direct government of their schools, the conducting of correspondence, and staff employment matters in accordance with approved procedures.

The Board’s responsibility include the overseeing of all school policies; the efficient use of resources (including grants); personnel management (including staff appointments); maintenance of appropriate standards of behaviour within the school; implementation of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 through the school’s Safety Statement; insurance; as well as the general maintenance of the school buildings and grounds and the provision of satisfactory heating and cleaning in the school.

Term of Office

The Board of Management’s term of office is four years, in accordance with the Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure. The present Board’s term is 2019 – 2023.

Board Membership

The Board comprises eight members: two patron’s nominees, two teacher representatives (one being the principal), two parent representatives and two representatives for the wider community. Each member of the Board, at or before the first meeting, signs a declaration of acceptance of membership of the Board and an undertaking that the Rules for National Schools shall be complied with.

Each Board member has an active part in the management of the school. The contribution of each Board member are recognised and appreciated by all partners within the school community, recognising the level of responsibility held by them and the dedication and commitment with which they fulfil their duties to the best of their ability.

The Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Board of Management, who is nominated by the Patron, has specific functions in relation to the task of school management. He/she is expected to visit the school to satisfy himself/herself that the Rules for National Schools are being complied with. He/she is required to certify the school returns furnished to the Department of Education and Skills, to acct as correspondent between the Board and the Department, to sign payments from the school accounts along with the Treasurer and to enter into agreements with newly appointed staff on behalf of the Board. The Chairperson is the representative of the Board of Management on selection boards both for Principal Teachers and Assistant Teachers.

Meetings

Boards of Management meet at such times as the conduct of business may require. A meeting must be held at least once in each school term and a board shall usually held not less than five meetings in any school year. Members of Boards are required to keep matters discussed at meetings confidential unless otherwise advised by the Board. At the closure of each meeting the Board determines which decisions should be conveyed to parents and staff, and the manner in which they should be conveyed.

In the case of emergency, the chairperson and principal deal with issues, pending a board meeting being held at the earliest opportunity.