What is the board of management?

The “Board of Management” manages the school on behalf of the Patron, and for the benefit of the students. Its job is to make sure that the school is run efficiently and provides all students with a good education.

Under the Education Act, 1998, the Patron is obliged to appoint, where practicable, a Board of Management “for the purposes of ensuring that a school is managed in a spirit of partnership.”

In making appointments, the patron must comply with Ministerial directions about gender balance. The board of management includes representatives of parents, teachers, the patron, the principal and the community.

Who is on the board?
The composition of the Board of Management is –

Chairperson: Fr. Leo Henry
Secretary: Paschal Gallagher
Karena Lee
Yvonne Duffy
Joe Mullen
Terence Marren
Jimmy Hayes
Susan McDonagh

(There are detailed rules set out as to how the Parents’ Representatives are to be chosen, including the notice to be given to all parents, how replacements are chosen, etc.)

The Patron appoints the Chairman of the Board.
In general, members of the board may not hold any interest in the school property or get paid for serving on the board.

The following people are not eligible for membership of a board:
■A person who has been declared bankrupt or was involved in a court procedure for settling with creditors in the previous three years or
■A person who received a prison sentence in the previous 5 years.

Functions of the board
The board’s main function is to manage the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students. To provide an appropriate education for each student at the school.

In carrying out its functions, the board must
■Act in accordance with Ministerial policy.
■Uphold the ethos of the school and be accountable to the patron for this.
■Act in accordance with the Law.
■Consult with and inform the patron of decisions and proposals.
■Publish the school’s policy on admission to and participation in the school, including its policy on expulsion and suspension of students, admission and participation by students with disabilities or with other special educational needs.
■Ensure that the school’s admissions policy respects the choices of parents and the principles of equality, and the constitutional rights of all concerned.
■Have regard for the principles and requirements of a democratic society and promote respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in our society.
■Have regard to the efficient use of resources.
■use the resources provided by the state to make reasonable provision and accommodation for students with disabilities or special needs.

Activities of the board
Essentially, the board manages the school. Among other things:
■It has responsibility for drawing up the school plan and for ensuring that it is implemented.
■It appoints the principal, the teachers and other staff.
■It must ensure that the school fulfills its functions as set out in the Education Act, 1998.
■It must promote contact between the school, the parents and the community.
■It must facilitate and give all reasonable help to a parents’ association in its formation and its activities.
■It has overall responsibility for the school’s finances. Its annual accounts must be available to the patron and the school community

Term of office of the board
The term of office for a board is four years and members can hold office only for four years although members are eligible for reappointment when their term of office expires.

Confidentiality
Parents, Staff or Students should have no hesitation in approaching any member of the schools Board of Management for advice. The Board are responsible for ensuring the schools policies are up-to-date and adequate to meet he needs of the school. Any queries will be guided along the correct path to ensure all individuals are treated equally and fairly, as well as ensuring that no person’s legal rights are infringed.
Individual members of the Board are required to keep confidential the matters discussed at meetings unless otherwise agreed by the Board.