parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

(l) Formal parental involvement
(a) Governing bodies
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Governing bodies are statutorily constituted bodies whose membership
requirements and functions are stipulated in statutes. These bodies assist
the principal with managing the school on a day-to-day basis. A governing
body consists of the school principal, a non-educator of the school and
parents of the school who are elected by the parent body. Every parent
having one or more children enrolled at the school is entitled to vote at an
election for the members of the governing body. After the election the
principal convenes the first meeting at which the office bearers are elected.
Office bearers include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and
treasurer. A governing body may appoint committees to advise it and
perform functions as determined by the governing body. Some of the
important functions of a governing body are (Squelch & Bray, 1996:229;
Kruger, 1996:26; Van Wyk, 1996b:33):
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formulating the school's mission, goals and objectives;
recommending the appointment of teachers;
drafting a budget;
establishing school policy;
representing the parent body;
determining school rules;