CONTROL ISSUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 16

CONTROL ISSUE

COMMITTEES' POWERS EXTENSION SUGGESTED DUTIES AND AUTHORITY The dispute between the Te Aroha School Committee and the Auckland Education Board over the appointment of a headmaster has directed attention to the position which school committees generally occupy in educational administration. A review of the committees' position was made yesterday by the chairman of an Auckland committee. t " The incident will serve to focus attention on the insignificant authority and influence which committees have in the control of school affairs," said the chairman. " This aspect is raised at a most opportune time since it is understood that the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Eraser, is collating views and information regarding the best system of administration from kindergarten to university." Barred From Classrooms Anyone familiar with the limited responsibilities and authority of committees, continued the speaker, appreciated that while these commenced at the school gates, they ceased abruptly at the classroom doors, which were definitely barred to committees in an administrative sense during school hours. The duties of the average school committee comprised the engagement of someone to supervise the cleaning and heating of and the maintenance of grounds. In regard to the real educational aspects of a primary school the committees might as well not exist. The comings and goings of teachers and inspectors, the provision of equipment and appliances, the appointment of staff and the progress and efficiency of the schools were all outside the ken and authority of the committees. Method o 1 Election The unsatisfactory position of committees was a matter calling for scrutiny ✓by the Minister when framing new regulations, it was stated. Not only Avere the duties and authority of committees due for revision and extension, but the method of electing members demanded overhaul. Anyone and everyone could attend householders' meetings for the election of members. In actual practice very few did attend, but the system was open to abuse. School committees as statutorily appointed bodies should be elected under machinery similar to that governing the election of other local bodies. It would be a comparatively simple matter to arrange methods that would not be cumbersome.

The authority of primary school committees should be brought more into line with that obtaining in secondary school boards/ urged the speaker, and the income and allowances paid to both should have a much closer uniformity. Many of the responsibilities that were now allotted to headmasters should be transferred to committees. A closer relationship between committees and staff should be insisted upon under the regulations. To close observers this was something most desirable.