School Board

Under the School Education Act 1999 government schools are required to have a School Board, with parent/community members being in the majority. Both in spirit and in its detail, the legislation relating to School Boards reinforces the importance of the partnership between schools, parents and the wider community in ensuring that children achieve the highest standards possible.

The role of the Board is that of involvement in the governance of the school. This means taking part in the shaping and monitoring of the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions. In addition, other functions are specified in the legislation.

The Board does not have a role in school management. This is the responsibility of the principal and involves educational leadership and the effective day-to-day administration, operation, supervision and control of the school and its staff.

Functions of the School Board
The Board has the following powers and duties:
To take part in:
  • establishing and reviewing the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions;
  • the planning of financial arrangements necessary to fund those objectives, priorities and directions;
  • evaluating the school’s performance in achieving them;
  • formulating codes of conduct for students at the school; and
  • establishing, planning & monitoring the schools three year Business Plan, Performance and Delivery Agreement and Financial Budget.
To determine in consultation with students, their parents and staff a dress code for students when they are attending or representing the school;

To promote the school in the community;

To approve:
  • charges and contributions for the provision of certain materials, services and facilities under section 99(4) of the School Education Act;
  • extra cost optional components of educational programs, under section 100(3) of the School Education Act;
  • items to be supplied by a student for use in an educational program, under section 108(2) of the School Education Act; and
  • any agreements or arrangements for advertising or sponsorship in relation to the school under section 216(5) of the School Education Act;
To provide advice to the principal of the school on:
  • a general policy concerning the use in school activities of prayers, songs and material based on religious, spiritual or moral values being used in a school activity as part of religious education; and
  • the implementation of special religious education under section 69(2) of the School Education Act;
With the approval of the Minister or the Director General, as the Minister’s delegate, to:
  • take part in the selection of, but not the appointment of, the school principal or any other member of the teaching staff under section 129(2) of the School Education Act; and
  • To do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the carrying out of its functions.
The Board cannot     
  • Intervene in the educational instruction of students
  • Exercise authority over teaching staff or other persons employed at the school
  • Intervene in the management or operation of a school fund.
Composition and Membership of Darkan Primary School, School Board

The legislation provides for the following categories of Board membership
  1. parents of students at the school;
  2. members of the general community;
  3. staff of the school.

 Election and appointment of Darkan Primary School, School Board

Elections for the School Board is through nomination and where necessary voting. The whole school parent population should be approached when nominations are invited to fill Board vacancies. Each member, other than the principal, is to hold office for a term determined by the Board, up to a maximum of three years, after which members may re-nominate and be re-elected more than once.

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