The newly elected Board of Management (BOM) members from all schools in Igembe South subcounty have been urged to take their leadership roles seriously and actively participate in the smooth running and development of educational institutions.
Speaking during the inauguration on at Maua Girls Secondary School the Subcounty Education Officer, Godana Barire, maintained that BOM members must understand and deliver their mandate.
The event brought together board members from both primary and secondary schools across the subcounty and was also graced by representatives from the Member of Parliament’s office.
Addressing the new board members, the Education Officer emphasized that their role extends beyond attending meetings and signing off on school documents and reminded them that the quality of education depends heavily on how the board executes its mandate.
One of the critical roles highlighted was the oversight of school development projects. The Education Officer noted that boards play a vital role in supervising infrastructure projects such as the construction of classrooms, laboratories, and sanitation facilities and cautioned against neglecting these responsibilities, pointing out that board members are the community’s eyes and must ensure that public funds are used appropriately and transparently.
“Every project in your school must reflect value for money. You are there to prevent misuse and ensure quality,” Barire said.
The officer explained that board members are required to understand and scrutinize financial plans presented by school heads, and ensure that funds are spent in line with approved priorities.
He stressed that financial oversight is a core function of the board, adding that, “You must take your time to go through the budget, ask questions, and hold the administration accountable. That is your duty to the school.”
The Education Officer also underlined the importance of promoting discipline and urged the board members to support school heads in enforcing school rules, managing staff concerns, and fostering a positive learning environment.
“Discipline is the foundation of any successful institution. If the board is active, supportive, and firm, then learners and teachers will follow suit,” he observed.
The officer further emphasized the BOM’s role in monitoring and supporting academic performance and encouraged the members to take interest in school results, attend academic meetings, and assist in implementing improvement strategies, especially in schools that are underperforming.
“You should not wait for final results to know how your school is doing. Regular engagement with teachers and students can make a big difference,” the officer opined.
By Kamanja Maeria
