Boards of governors' participation and head teachers' financial management practices in secondary schools in Kaberamaido district, Uganda

Abstract

This study set out to ascertain the effect of school Boards of Governors· par1icipation in financial management on Head teachers· financial management practices in secondary schools in Kaberamaido district. The study specifically, sought Boards of Governors perception on awareness of their responsibilities in school financial management practices in secondary schools in Kaberamaido district, assessed the extent to which Boards of Governors participated 111 financial management practices in secondary schools in Kaberamaido district, the effect of School Boards of Governors' participation in financial management on Head teachers' financial management practices in secondary schools in Kaberamaido district and the respondents' suggestions of the most effective financial management strategies Boards of Governors can use to enhance accountability by Head teachers. A descriptive cross sectional survey research design was used. In the study, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed in data collection process, analysis. presentation and discussion of findings. Data was collected from eight secondary schools which were selected using stratified sampling. In these schools, semi structured questionnaires were administered to Chairpersons of Procurement Units, Bursars, Chairpersons of Staff Finance Committees and Parents. Local Councils. Teachers and Old students· representatives to the BOGs. Interviews were also administered to Chairpersons of Boards of Governors. Head teachers and retired Head teachers. Document analysis was conducted for triangulation. it was concluded from the study that BOGs perceived they were aware of their school financial management responsibilities. members of BOGs participated in school financial management practices. BOGs participation in school financial management had little positive effect on Head teachers' financial management practices. The level of participation was not statistically significant enough to enhance good financial management practices by the Head teachers and that there is need for training of members of SBOGs on basic financial planning and management through workshops/seminars and establish channels through which fraud is reported and investigated. The study therefore recommended that for School Boards of Governors to be efficient and effective in ensuring good financial management practices by Head teachers; there is need for government through the Ministry of Education and Sports to plan for proper training of Boards of Governors in financial management through workshops and seminars in order to make them effectively perform their duties