It is important that Board Members and the Principal are clear on what constitutes appropriate relationships within the School context.

20. Relationship management

This will include understanding appropriate relationships between:

• The Chair and the Principal;
• Board Members, the Principal, staff and students; and
• The Chair and Board Members.

The above should be specified and signed off by the Board in the Charter so that there is no lack of clarity.

Governance Guidelines

Across the Board

Purpose

Governance

Applying principles of good governance to schools

Legal status of schools

Primary legislation governing schools

Ancillary legislation

Funding and operating agreement

Structure of the school and delegation of powers

The key roles of the school board and its members

Legal obligations and potential liability of board members

Conflicts of interest

Charter for the school board

Constitution of the board and selection of board members

Orientation and ongoing education for board members

Retention of board members

Succession planning

The key roles of the chair

Legal obligations of the chair

The key roles of the principal

Relationship management

Performance management

Compliance and risk management

Board meetings

Establishing committees on the board

Whistle blowers

Additional resources

Appendix 1 – selection process

Appendix 2 – board skills matrix

Appendix 3 – performance management