COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN PRINCIPALS’ DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF EAST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

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.