The effectiveness of school board in improving secondary school governance in Kinondoni Municipality

Generally, the study aimed at investigating the Effectiveness of school board in improving secondary governance in Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam region. Specifically, the study focused on examining roles and responsibilities in improving shool governance, analyzing the extent to which School Board allocate resources and create a positive school environment, examined challenges in the implementation of their roles. The study was conducted in Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam region. Six schools were included in the study, namely Kawe Ukwamani, Makumbusho, Makamba, Temboni, Bunju and Kambange. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, document search and questionnaires. The study was largely qualitative with some elements of quantitative approach, using the case study design. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Findings show that majority of the board members in the studied schools were not aware of their responsibilities in improving school governance. Low levels of education of some board members also contributed to inadequate awareness and eventually the poor performance. It was found that variation in the education levels among board members, ranging from certificate to PhD levels, whereas majority had certificates and Diplomas. Also with regard to resource allocation, the study found that aligning resources creation of positive school environment are yet to be achieved in Tanzanians secondary schools boards. Some of the schools, regardless of their size, do not have enough resources to finish all the needs of the students. Nevertheless the study found that the community had no stake in secondary schools because, unless students are in conflict with the school system, most school never conducts public/parental meetings exclusively for seeking opinions and suggestions. It is recommended that, efforts should be made to increase awareness of board members of their roles they play and the positions they occupy in the development of this nation and instill the sense of responsibility, through various seminars, workshops or training programs, Also the Ministry of Education, should make a close follow up to insure that the members have the required qualifications and the necessary board committees are in place and functional. Therefore awareness should be increased to the school board members on their roles and responsibilities towards improving secondary school governance.