Contribution of School Boards for Effective Teaching and Learning: A Focus on Public Secondary Schools in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Jeremiah Tabu & Chrispina Lekule
St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Email: jeremiahking54@gmail.com

Abstract: This study sought to examine contribution of School Boards for effective teaching and learning. The study also explored challenges which School Board members face and how to mitigate them. A mixed research approach and explanatory sequential design were employed. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. A sample of 93 respondents, which included 56 teachers, 29 School Board members, 5 Heads of school, 1 District Secondary Education Officer (DEO) and 2 Quality Assurance officers were involved. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that School Board members play crucial roles in ensuring effective implementation of the core functions of the school through regular monitoring of school plans and their implementation. Additionally, the findings indicate that school boards face a number of challenges resulting from lack of experience and appropriate training as well as political influence. The study recommends school board members to be provided with appropriate orientation and adequate support for effective implementation of their roles. Moreover, the study advises the ministry of education to establish a formalized mandatory short course on school leadership which will enlighten school board members on not only their core responsibilities but also on general management of schools. Finally, the study maintains that school boards matter because they are the voice and eye of the community and local government, hence, their role should never be taken for granted for at the helm of every successful school is an efficient school board.