Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the status of community participation in
principals’ decision making process of the secondary schools of East Hararghe Zone.
To conduct this study, a descriptive survey research design was employed. A total of
168 respondents (125 teachers, 10 principals, 13 vice principals, 10 PTSAs heads and
10 student councils head) were included in the study. The teacher respondents were
selected by stratified random sampling technique while principals, vice principals,
PTSAs heads and student councils were selected by available sampling technique. The
data were gathered through questionnaire, interview, and document analysis. Data
gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage, and frequency and
one way ANOVA. Data obtained through interview and document analysis were
qualitatively analyzed. The study revealed that the status of the community
participation in the principal decision making the four area of the community
participation. Decision concerning school planning activities in this activity deciding
on the process of planning is unsatisfactory. Decision concerning curriculum and
instruction is low, decision concerning school budgeting and income generation in
this area determine the means of the income generation with cooperation principal is
also low. Decision on the students discipline solving the students was also poor. The
perceptions of respondents towards their principals showed negative attitude. Factors
such as, lack of commitment of principals, lack of skill training, in-appropriate time ,
negative attitudes of principals, and lack of confidence of PTSA and KETB members
hinders the principals’ decision making process of secondary schools of East
Hararghe zone , Oromia Regional state and to increase the community participation
in decision making process creating clear role and responsibilities for community
representatives, conducting the necessary skill training for community representatives
and school principals. Generally, the researcher recommended that enough
orientation and training must be given to the school community representative, the
teachers and principal changed their attitude toward PTSA, the principal must be
communicate with the school community before the decision under taken. The teachers
should be motivating other school community and the principals should be
cooperating with PTSA and KEB to strength the relationship of the school principal
and other community.
