Frances Fitzgerald
Question:596 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in relation to access to decisions of boards of management in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/99]
Written Answers. - Boards of Management.
Boards of management are encouraged to pursue a policy of openness and have a positive approach to sharing information with the school community while having due regard to the need for confidentiality to protect against inappropriate disclosure of school business. Section 20 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for the establishment of procedures by boards of management for the dissemination of information to parents and teachers concerning the operation and performance of the school.
At primary level the rules of procedure relating to boards of management are outlined in the booklet Boards of Management of National Schools Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure which were agreed with the partners in education. The procedures in relation to the access of decisions of boards of management would have to have regard to sections 8 and 9 of this booklet, which deal with confidentiality and board communications and transparency. Boards are advised that, at the closure of each Board meeting, they should determine the information to be conveyed to parents, teachers and the school community, and the manner and terms in which it should be conveyed.
At second level, it is a requirement of the deed of trust establishing community and comprehensive schools that the business of the board of management is private and no disclosure of the business shall be made without the authority of the board. In relation to boards of management in the VEC and voluntary secondary school sectors, it is a matter for each board to determine its own policy in relation to the disclosure of information concerning board decisions.