Governors or watchdogs? The role of educators in school governing bodies

Abstract

The perceptions of educators in school governing bodies (SGBs) about their roles were investigated. The study derived its motivation mainly from a previous study on the subject and the subsequent reflection on own experiences of the situation in South African schools as an ex-official in the Department of Education. The study therefore drew largely from this previous research report. Findings revealed a great tendency for educator governors in SGBs to act as \"watchdogs\" for their teaching colleagues. This study pointed to composition of SGBs and attainment of membership as reasons why educator-governors perceive their role as that of watchdogs for their colleagues. The study however recognised that educator-governors also profess to have the interests of the school and therefore the learner at heart. The balancing act is therefore a challenge to them and makes their task as governors even more exigent.


South African Journal of Education Vol.24(4) 2004: 313-316