As an educational leader of the present time, we need to listen to the battlecry of our stakeholders… that is to uphold transparency in leading the school.
As a school leader, you need to consider the ways to achieve transparency in your governance. Achieving transparency may be possible through the following:
- Share the school vision, mission, goals and objectives.
- Have the stakeholders participate in the school improvement plan.
- Lead the school in the implementation of the annual plan.
- Be honest and open in the management of the School Operating Budget.
- Have a school auditing team.
Initially, you have to articulate to all your stakeholders the school vision, mission, goals and objectives. In this way, they will have an adequate knowledge on all the standpoints of the school. They are being assured on the right direction of the school for a clearer path. In this sense, the school manager has opened the doors to all.
The School Improvement Plan is not solely done by the school head instead the stakeholders must work together in its formulation and creation. The consideration of various aspects and concerns must be addressed in constructing for the welfare of the school and its educational clientele. By means of this, the school head gives opportunity to witness and participate in school planning thus transparency is realized.
As part of the yearly school program, the school head should lead in the implementation of the annual plan. Moreover, the school leader must be able to inform all the stakeholders about the plan. Transparency is yielded if everyone knows what are being implemented.
This is one area of school management that needs to be addressed conscientiously and consistently. The matters on the expenses of budget for various purposes must be clearly known to the stakeholders. They should be informed that the school budget is being allotted to worthwhile purposes for the benefit of the school and students.
There are members of the school community who must be given a chance to audit the school expenditures. Give them a chance to clarify things and to see the goodness in management. In this way, the stakeholders will be rest-assured that the School Operating Budget is being spent well for the benefit of the entire school community.
By means of these ways, a school manager will be able to achieve transparency in governance.
By: Jenette M. Candelario | Head Teacher III | Bonifacio Camacho National High School- Abucay, Bataan
