The 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, usually 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 and the Department of Education and Science with responsibility for the running of the school as prescribed in legislation (ref, the Education Act 1998 and the Education (Welfare) Act 2000). 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 Science, 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 responsibilities 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 from 2007 – 2011.

Board Membership

The Board comprises eight members: two patron nominees, two teacher representatives (one being the principal), two parent representatives and two representatives from the wider community. Training for new Board members is provided through the Church of Ireland Diocesan Board of Education for Dublin and Glendalough. Every 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.

The present members are:

  • Parish Rector (vacancy) - patron nominee
  • Mr Derek Greenlee (chairperson) - patron nominee
  • Ms Lynne Woods (recording secretary) - teacher representative
  • Mr Robin George (honorary treasurer) - community representative
  • Ms Eileen Jackson (principal, & secretary to the Board)
  • Mr Wesley Galloway - community representative
  • Ms Karen Doyle - parent representative
  • Mr Conor Fitzsimmons - parent representative

Each Board member has an active part in the management of the school. The contributions 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 Science, to act 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 teachers 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 hold not less than five meetings in any school year (ref Rules and Procedures for Boards of Management). However, our Board aims to meet once each month during every school term. 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 an emergency, the chairperson and principal deal with issues, pending a board meeting being held at the earliest opportunity.

Contacts and Links

The Board has a responsibility to liaise with numerous individuals and/or groups within the education sector, as and when the need arises. While some contacts are regular or on-going, others may be required by the Board in dealing with a specific issue. These contacts include:

  • The Bishop, as Patron of the school
  • The Trustees
  • The Parish
  • The Pupils
  • The Teachers
  • The Parents
  • Ancillary staff
  • Sub-committees (as may be set up to address policy review, building development, etc)
  • Department of Education and Science (DES)
  • The Church of Ireland Board of Education (CIBE)
  • National Council for Special Education (NCSE)
  • National Education Welfare Board (NEWB)
  • National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
  • Special Education Support Service (SESS)
  • National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
  • National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE)
  • Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS)
  • The Teaching Council
  • The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO)
  • The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN)
  • The National Parents’ Council (NPC), Primary
  • The school’s insurance company
  • Local services, such as Health Service Executive (HSE); Garda Siochána; fire service, etc
  • Local community, including Greystones Town Council
  • Other primary schools
  • Post-primary schools, especially those to which ours is considered to be a feeder school

Reference

Education Act 1998
Education (Welfare) Act 2000
The Department of Education and Scienceh