The role of school boards in the management of teaching human resources in Catholic-founded schools: a case study of two school in Masaka City

Abstract

Due to poor human resource management in schools, this study set out to examine the role that school boards play in the management of teaching human resources in private secondary schools (Catholic-Founded) in Masaka City. The study was guided by three research questions; What role do school boards play in staffing of teaching human resources? What role do school boards play in organizing teaching human resources? What role do school boards play in evaluating teaching human resources in secondary schools? The study was guided by Freeman‟s stakeholders‟ theory of management and used a dual case study design employing a qualitative research approach. Data was obtained from secondary school administrators (head teachers, deputy head teachers) and board members in two selected Catholic-Founded secondary schools (A&B) making a total of 13 respondents. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and were presented through direct quotations, paraphrasing of responses, and narrative description of responses as obtained by interviews. The study discovered that board members were playing a direct role in staffing such as advisory role and holding meetings. However, there is still little dedication towards the process of staffing. Secondly, school boards encourage creation of departments and delegate authority. However, there is over delegation of responsibilities in both schools. Finally, the findings revealed that school boards take disciplinary actions but do not have a direct involvement in staff appraisals and classroom instruction. The study concluded that first, school boards have a fair degree of involvement in staffing in both schools though the members have little commitment and knowledge about staffing. Second, the study concluded that school boards passively participate in the organizing function, members are not dedicated to it; that is why they over delegate responsibilities to head teachers. Lastly, the study concluded that school boards monitor staff discipline but they over rely on written reports provided by headteachers. The study recommended that the MoES and Masaka Diocesan secretariat should provide avenues in which school boards can perform their duties and roles diligently. They may do this by providing board members with management books that stipulate the duties and roles of a board and explaining to board members the scope of their roles.