Clear roles and responsibilities are essential for effective school governance and management. The Board is responsible for governance, financial oversight, policy, and long-term strategy, while the Head of School and administration are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the school. Clearly defining who is responsible for which decisions helps prevent micromanagement, confusion, and conflict, and supports a healthy and productive working relationship between the Board and school leadership.
The Board and the administration have different but complementary roles. The Board focuses on governance, strategy, policy, and financial oversight, while the administration manages the daily operations of the school. The Board should work at a strategic level and avoid becoming involved in day-to-day operational decisions.
A decision-making matrix helps clarify which financial decisions are made by the Board, which are delegated to the Head of School, and which may be handled by committees or administration. Clear decision authority helps ensure good governance, efficient operations, and appropriate financial oversight.
A decision matrix typically clarifies who is responsible for:
Budget approval
Tuition approval
Hiring and salary ranges
Major purchases and contracts
Capital projects
Use of reserves
Bank accounts and signatories
Financial policies
Emergency financial decisions
Board & Management Decision-Making Matrix
Use of Materials
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