OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The election of school governing bodies (SGB) in all public schools countrywide will take place from 1 March until the end of the first school term of 2018.
Schools will advise parents when the elections will take place at their particular school.
Governing bodies represent all sectors of the school community, including parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and learners in grades 8 to 12.
The South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) gives governing bodies considerable powers to govern schools and parents are urged to fully participate in the process.
SGB members are not required to have formal qualifications; however, individuals with skills in bookkeeping, accounting and legal services in particular, as well as those who are interested in and passionate about education, are urged to consider standing for election.
The term of office will be three years.
The outgoing governing bodies will continue to perform their functions until the first meeting of the new governing bodies.
The new governing bodies must meet within seven (7) days after receiving notice from the electoral officer, to elect office bearers.
The outgoing governing body must hand over to the new governing body within fourteen (14) days of the first meeting.
Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer said the new SGBs will learn from their experience and from thorough training and support by the education department's officials.
"I encourage the SGBs to please put the interests of the children and the improvement of education first, and work together with their school principal and staff to achieve this."
Schäfer thanked the outgoing governing bodies for all their hard work and she is looking forward to working with the new SGBs.
"We continue to strive for well-managed schools that provide quality education for all our children," she said.
'We bring you the latest Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo news'
