What does school governance refer to?

School governance refers to the processes and structures through which schools are managed, directed, and held accountable to achieve their goals effectively. This encompasses various elements, such as decision-making procedures, policies, and organizational frameworks that guide how a school operates. It includes the roles of different stakeholders, such as school boards, administrators, teachers, and the community, in shaping the direction of the school and ensuring it meets educational standards and objectives.

The focus on processes for achieving school goals highlights the importance of strategic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement, which are fundamental to enhancing student outcomes and promoting a thriving educational environment. In this context, effective governance ensures that all actions taken within the school align with the overarching mission and vision to foster student success.

While federal regulations, community involvement, and teacher committees play significant roles in the broader educational landscape, they do not encapsulate the entire concept of school governance, which is fundamentally about the governance structures and processes at play within the school itself.