Management of school finances and students' academic performance in secondary schools in Bukwo district-Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to determine the relationship between management of school finances (availability of financial resources, financial budgeting and financial accountability) and students' academic performance in selected secondary schools in Bukwo district. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and a descriptive approach. Questionnaires and interviews were administered (N=l21). Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. Data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Scientist to extract frequencies and percentages. Interviews were used to gather data from Head teachers, Bursars, BOG and PTA representatives and this data was qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. The results obtained in the study indicated that; (i) there was insufficient funding in furniture, library books, play fields , recreational fields, sports facilities, resource persons ,field trips but laboratory facilities and Teaching resources and respectively were reported to have sufficient funding. (ii) The following areas were prioritized in the budgets for optimal academic performance: student meals, mobilization of funds, development, teachers' moti· ·ation and laboratory equipment. (iii) Proper accountability measures were observed in most of the schools including proper financial procedures, involvement of the board of governors, use of supporting documents and use of school registers. The study concludes that due to limited funds, schools prioritize some core areas for funding and leave out others. The areas not funded largely contribute to the poor academic performance among the students. The researcher recommends that; (i) Schools should look out for additional sources of funds to supplement the existing sources and improve on the financial base. (ii) Government should increase the grants given to the public schools especially those that have limited financial sources and resources; (iii) the boards of governors and head teachers of secondary schools should strictly follow the financial management procedures stipulated in the financial management guidelines provided by the ministry of education to allow optimal use of school funds. (iv) There is need for further research to look at the following areas: use of quantitative data to determine relationship between academic performance and financial management in schools, scrutinizing specific schools' financial allocations and critical review of schools' financial management documents.