Relationship between Presiding member and principal 

Outcome statement

The relationship between the Presiding Member and the principal at Southland Adventist Christian School is based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect and on the ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in matters of faith, conduct and morals.

Scoping

A positive, productive working relationship between the principal and the Presiding Member is both central and vital to the school.

The Presiding Member and principal should act as sounding boards, both supporting and challenging, in order to hold the school to account for achieving the goals and targets that have been set.

The Presiding Member has no authority except that granted by the board. The Presiding Member does not act independently of the board.

Delegations

The board Presiding Member delegates to the principal the setting of the agenda minutes for board meetings.

The board Presiding Member delegates to the principal, when appropriate the communication between the board and the wider community

Expectations and limitations

• The Presiding Member and principal must work as a team, and there should be no surprises.

• The relationship must be professional.

• Each must be able to counsel the other on performance concerns.

• The Presiding Member supports the principal and vice versa as appropriate.

• Each agrees not to undermine the other’s authority.

• There is agreement to be honest with each other.

• Each agrees and accepts the need to follow policy and procedures.

• Neither party will deliberately hold back important information.

• Neither party will knowingly misinform the other.