Learning

SCHOOL BOARDS

The School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 provided for school boards to be set up in education authority schools in Scotland. Boards consist of elected parent and staff members and other members co-opted by the elected members. They are there to involve parents in the running of their child's school and to find out parents' views about issues affecting the school. Board members hold office for four years, with half the parent places coming up for election every two years. The initial round of elections to school boards was held in 1989-90, with parental elections biennially thereafter.

Who sits on the school board?

Parents are the largest group. Members are also elected from the school's staff and a small number of members are "co-opted" from the local community. Some Boards also co-opt a senior pupil from within the school.

Although the headteacher is not a member of the Board, he or she attends meetings as an adviser. The local councillors and the Director of Education (or his or her representative) are also entitled to attend Board meetings.

What do school boards actually do?

There is a range of activities that School Boards are required to undertake. These include approving the headteacher's proposals for spending on books and equipment; taking part in appointment committees for the most senior teaching staff; and, subject to any direction by the education authority, controlling the use of school premises out of school hours.

Beyond that, although there are certain limits, School Boards can decide for themselves what they want to do. Generally, Boards can discuss and report on almost any matter of interest to or connected with the school.

In whatever they do, School Boards have an important responsibility to support those managing their schools to secure improvement in the quality of education provided there.

How to find out more

Talk to members of your own Board or to your headteacher in the first instance. If after that, you still have questions, the Education Department will be able to help you to find out more and can send you details of how to register and vote.

The School Boards Support Unit at the Scottish Executive Education Department will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. They can be contacted on 0131 244 0956.