1. BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

2. HISTORY OF BOMS
From 1831 – establishment of National School System – the local clergy had the management function in Primary Schools, along with Principal
New Curriculum introduced in 1971 espoused a “child centered” educational system
The 1970s also heralded a change in attitude to school management

3. HISTORY OF BOMS
Schools were to be managed by a board in place of the local parish priest
This signified an effort to give a voice to the “partners in education” – clergy, parents, teachers
However training in management issues pertaining to primary schools was lacking

4. HISTORY OF BOMS
The development of curriculum and pedagogy are obvious necessities in any primary school
However the following factors have changed the context of schooling immeasureably:
Societal changes
Management of what are now complex organisations
Involvement of all educational partners
Impact of legislation

5. HISTORY OF BOMS
The administrative and managerial functions of the Principal have expanded to the point where they are now equivalent to the management functions of any medium-sized organisation
The Rules for National Schools still have a large impact on the administration of schools today, eventhough many of these rules are in need of review

6. WHAT IS THE BOM? Schools are managed by the BOM
The board is nominated by the Patron of the school, must be recognised by the Minister for Education & Science and must operate under the Education Act 1998 and the Rules for National Schools (DES 1965)

7. LEGAL STATUS OF BOM
Membership of a BOM does not, in most instances, expose members to the threat of individual legal action
Section 14(2) Education Act

8. COMPOSITION OF BOM The term “nominee” is important
Direct nominees of the Patron = 2
Parents = 2
Principal = 1
Teacher = 1
Extra commmunity nominees = 2
Term of office = 4 yrs

9. CONFIDENTIALITY Essential to the proper functioning of the board
Board should agree on the report to be made to staff/Parents Association at the end of each meeting
The conduct of the business of the Board, other than this report, must remain confidential

10. COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Following election/nomination the board is expected to function as a collective unit
While members may express strong views that may be representative of the grouping/agency which nominated them, the final conclusion of the board on any matter must be supported by all members
Voting should always be seen as a last resort at meetings – consensus should always be sought

11. CHAIRPERSON
Responsible for efficient and effective management of meetings
Acts as correspondent on behalf of BOM with various agencies
Agrees agenda of meetings in advance with Principal
Regular consulataion meetings with Principal

12. RECORDING SECRETARY
Communicate with Board members in advance of meetings
Keep accurate minutes of meetings
Ensure that these are kept safe for the proper functioning of the school and inspection by DES or Patron (usually in the school)
Decisions only are usually minuted

13. TREASURER Usually someone with accounting experience Cheque signatory
Provision of statement of accounts at each meeting
Involvement in budget planning
Annual independent audit of school accounts

14. MEETINGS Frequency – at least one per term, minimum of 5 per year
Once monthly is usual
A meeting can be called at any time by Chair or Principal – requested meetings may be called by a quarter of the members plus one

15. MEETINGS Notification - ordinary meetings = 7 days
Agenda and minutes of previous meeting to be included
Quorum = 5 members
Voting = simple majority, chairperson has casting vote

16. MEETINGS Agenda Agenda Approval of minutes of previous meeting
Matters arising
Apologies
Financial report
Correspondence
Principal’s Report
Health & Safety
Special items e.g., Building Update, School Completion Programme Report etc
The agenda will not include an “AOB” section. The reason for this is that Board members will always receive agenda items for discussion a week in advance of the meeting to allow them time to consider their opinion. Issues brought up without prior notice will not be discussed at a Board meeting. .

17. ROLE OF BOM IN POLICY
Legislation & best practise place requirements on the BOM regarding the development of policy in certain areas
Depending on the area involved, other school partners may/may not be involved in policy development
Board must approve each policy and ensure that an appropriate Plean Scoile is in place

18. ROLE OF BOM IN SCHOOL PLANNING
Section 21 of the Education Act requires boards to make arrangements for the preparation of the school plan and the regular review and updating of that plan
Consultation with parents, Board members and/or pupils will take place as required
The Principal & Staff will carry out most of this work as a matter of course and submit to the board for approval

19. CLASS ALLOCATION
The allocation of teaching duties within the school is a matter for the Principal
Class allocation may be reported to the board as a matter of information

20. GENERAL POINTS
Board members are not there to bring forth the views of member(s) of their constituency, but to bring a voice to Board discussions
Any school related issue that a parent may have is dealt with through the usual communication structures of the school and the parent nominee must direct such queries, should they arise, to the Principal

21. GENERAL POINTS
The Principal is responsible for the day to day running of the school and the Principal will report on such activities to the Board
Board members must never bring an issue to a Board meeting that has not been previously discussed with the Chairperson/Principal

22. STRATEGIC PLANNING
One of the first tasks that the Board will address will be to develop a strategic plan for the term
This plan will be reviewed at end of each school year to ascertain progress and to review as appropriate.