Dissertation (MA Education)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by school
boards in managing community secondary schools in Kiteto district. Specific
objectives of the study were to: assess the awareness of school board members on
the roles of managing community secondary schools in Kiteto district; identify
challenges faced by school boards and suggest appropriate strategies to improve
school board roles in managing community secondary schools. The study
employed a cross-sectional research design dominated by qualitative research
approach and supported by some elements of quantitative approach. During data
collection, interviews, questionnaires, and documentary review were used to
gather relevant information. A total of 67 respondents from 6community
secondary schools were involved in this study. Stratified, simple random and
purposive sampling techniques were used in obtaining the sample of the
study. Data collected from interviews and documentary reviews were analysed by
content analysis while those from questionnaires were analysed using
SPSS version 20 computer software and results were summarized in percentages
and frequencies.The study was guided by scientific management and system
theories. The study found that to a large extent school boards are aware of their
roles that include; monitoring budget, controlling teachers and students
disciplines and ensuring availability of teaching and learning materials among
other roles. The performance of the school boards was greatly affected by lack of
sufficient funds, lack of training and poor cooperation between school boards and
other stake holders. The study concludes that, school boards play a fundamental
role in managing community secondary schools despite the challenges they face.
The study recommends that, special training programmes should be planned in
order to capacitate school board members so that they can fully understand and
play their roles in managing community secondary schools more efficiently and
effectively.