Role of the Board of Management
A board of management for an ETB school has a clear remit to manage that school on behalf of the ETB (and the Trustee Partner in the case of a designated community college), in accordance with legislation; Department of Education and Skills (DES) circulars, guidelines and procedures; and any policies or strategies that the ETB may establish regarding the operation of its schools. The primary role of a board of management is one of governance. Governance is about providing direction and oversight for a school while ensuring that the rights of all members of the school community are upheld and that the school is accountable for its work. The functions of a board may, in the main, be categorised under three different headings:
- Policy setting and strategic planning
- Monitoring the implementation of policy, strategy and plans
- Supporting the principal and his/her staff
Key duties of the Board
Two key duties underpin the work of school board members.
The duty to act, at all times, in the best interests of the whole school and the ETB and Trustee Partner (where applicable) which means avoiding any perception that they are promoting personal or particular sectional interests.
The duty to exercise due care, skill and diligence, which means board members:
- 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 each year to get to know the staff and the facilities