Governance of TISOL

Role of the School Board

Each IEA School is governed by a school board. Each Board has a representative on the IEA Board and therefore contributes to decision making.

In all other respects, though, the School Board is governed by the IEA Board and has to act within IEA policy. So it has a voice in setting the policy, but, having set those policies, it is subject to them and to their directions. It is answerable in completing financial records, audits, school reviews, and can ultimately be dismissed.

Membership of the School Board

 The TISOL School Board of Governors is comprised of the following full voting members:

• from four to ten members (usually parents), broadly representative of the community served by the school, elected at the Annual General Meeting
  
• a teachers' representative elected by the teaching staff of the school
  
• the Principal of the school
  
• an IEA Representative appointed by the IEA Executive Director
• the Deputy Principal as an observer

The number of community members is determined at the School Association Annual General Meeting. Vacancies during a School Board's term of office may be filled by co-option by a resolution of the Board. School Board membership is subject to IEA approval; therefore the IEA must be notified of the names of the members after the AGM and of any changes which occur during the year.

Partners of teachers employed at the school are eligible for election to the Board as community representatives. However they must be aware of the potential for conflict of interest in dealing with matters related to staffing, and should absent themselves from such discussions. It is IEA Board policy that no more than 2 elected members of a School Board may be family members (i.e. husband, wife, de facto partner, son or daughter) related to any employee of the school.

Functions of the School Board

Within the limits of available funds and resources…
>> To plan for, provide and maintain school buildings, equipment and facilities
>> To plan for, provide and maintain housing for teachers in accordance with minimum standards set by the IEA
>> To manage the school's finances
>> To ensure that the Principal has the means for efficient administration of the school
>> Within the general framework of IEA philosophy and policy, to determine and monitor school aims and goals
>> Within the general framework of IEA policy to determine student enrolment policies
>> To provide for the implementation of the curriculum
>> To approve rules for the discipline and welfare of students and to be responsible for suspension and expulsion of students for breaches of those rules
>> To provide the means for the professional development of staff
>> To be responsible for the appointment and termination of teachers other than the Principal
>> To advise and make recommendations to the IEA for appointment and termination of the Principal
>> To set the terms and conditions of school ancillary staff, including teacher assistant/aides.

Board Meetings

• The School Board meets at least once a term.
• Board meeting business is set by a pre arranged agenda.
• Parents who wish the Board to respond to specific matters should address these in writing to the school Principal with a copy to the Board Chairperson at least a week before the next scheduled board meeting.
• Whilst Board proceedings are regarded as confidential the Board will communicate significant issues to parents through the school newsletter and any other suitable means.