Who makes the decisions about school-level resource allocation?
The governance structure of the school has the responsibility for allocating its resources. Many problems can be avoided, however, if the principal facilitates the involvement of other constituents, so that no one feels left out or “run over.” This often requires much behind-the-scenes work. If the governing body or local school decision making group alienates the faculty and large groups of parents and community members, it will be the principal’s problem to solve. As always it is better to prevent the problem than to correct it. The school’s faculty could be involved through some representative body. It is difficult for teachers to face budget reallocation decisions if the decision means eliminating the jobs of their peers. The consumer science teacher may be well liked in the school. Eliminating this position to provide more resources and time for mathematics may not be a popular decision. This is where the representative form of governance comes in. Emotional issues might be discus
