The Relationship Between the Presiding Member and the Principal

Adopted 17th  June 2019
Next Review Date: March 2027 (Reviewed Triennially)

Policy Statement
The Presiding Member is the leader of the School Board and works with the Principal on a day-to-day basis.

Purpose
To ensure the school is effectively and professionally governed and managed.

The relationship principles are to be read in line with the following:

▶The School Board agreed on governance and management definitions
▶The School Board’s Roles and Responsibilities Policy
▶The Responsibilities of the Principal Policy
▶The Presiding Member’s Role Description Policy
▶The Trustees’ Code of Conduct Policy

Relationship Principles:
A positive, productive working relationship between the Principal and the Presiding Member is School Board central and vital to the school.
This relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
The two must work as a team, with no surprises.
Each must be able to counsel the other on performance concerns.
The Presiding Member supports the Principal and vice versa when required and appropriate.
There is an understanding and acceptance of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Each agrees not to undermine the other’s authority.
There is an agreement to be honest with each other.
Each agrees and accepts the need to follow policy and procedures.
Agree not to hold back relevant information.
Agree and understand that the Presiding Member has no authority except that granted by the School Board.
Understand that the Presiding Member and Principal should act as sounding boards, with the School Board supporting and challenging them in order to hold the school accountable for achieving the set goals and targets.