Heads in support of student-free school boards

School principals read 16 resolutions at the close of their annual summit today, one of them being a review of the Education Act to remove students from boards of management.

The head teachers said they supported recommendations by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to trim the bloated boards.

The resolutions were read at the end of the five-day conference organised by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) at the Wild Waters Theme Park, Mombasa.

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS

The heads asked TSC to harmonise teachers medical scheme.

“Kessha calls on TSC to removing the confusion arising from the usage of AON and National Hospital Insurance Fund cards, ensure AON card is acceptable in hospitals across the country and disclose charges incurred after getting services,” they said.

The teachers rallied behind the stringent measures on management of national examinations introduced by Dr Matiang’i last year.

“The association will continue supporting the implementation of performance contracts and Teachers Performance Appraisal Development.

"In order to make this process a success, we appeal to the TSC to continue providing resources, training and other support to principals,” one of the resolutions said.

IMPLEMENT AGREEMENT
The head teachers said classroom teachers should be given the necessary tools for effective curriculum delivery.

They declared support for the signing of the collective bargaining agreement.

“We request for smooth and efficient implementation of the same,” they added.

The more than 8,000 participants pledged to join hands with the TSC in drafting a principals’ code of conduct.

VIOLENT EXTREMISM
They also supported government's efforts in promoting safe reproductive health for adolescents, eradication of stigma against HIV students and staff and the elimination of female genital mutilation.

“We commit to continue cooperating with security agencies in tackling violent extremism in schools and communities,” they said.

The principals threw their weight behind the curriculum reforms and committed to continue playing their role in ensuring their implementation.

ELECTIONS
They hailed the improved working relationship between their unions — Kenya National Union of Teachers and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers — and their employer and the steps taken in recognising the important position occupied by principals.

“In return, we commit to play our role as the executive officers of schools, put resources into proper use and handle other responsibilities expected of us,” they said.

They supported TSC’s efforts in protecting principals and teachers from emerging issues and urged the commission to take into account security and safety of tutors and principals in the delocalisation programme.

“Kessha supports peaceful elections and promises to abide by the requirement of being neutral and keeping our schools and resources free from politics and political activities,” they said.