PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF LEADERS IN UTILIZING SCHOOL GRANTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF EAST SHOA ZONE IN OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the Practices and Challenges of Leaders in utilizing School Grants in Secondary Schools of East Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State. Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population of the research was 50 government secondary school leaders (principals and department heads), 50(students’ council), 10(PTA chairpersons), 12(woreda education and finance offices experts that work as school grant focal persons). The total number of the respondent was 122. Six (60%) woredas and ten (32%) secondary schools were selected. Simple random, cluster and available sampling techniques were used. Woredas and secondary schools were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires were prepared for school leaders, experts and the students where as the interview guide was used for PTA Chair persons to gather the data. Additionally, documents were reviewed. Comparing mean, t-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze data. Low status of school grant utilization, lack of stake holders’ awareness, lack of transparency, low extent of stakeholders participation, absence of monitoring and controlling were the major problems in school grant utilization. Furthermore, lack of community involvement, late and irregular disbursement, lack of external auditing, lack of priority needs, lack of transparency were the problems. Eventually, to improve the situations, school leaders should motivate collaborative decision making process; strengthen internal monitoring and controlling system where as woreda/Zone education and finance offices should encourage external monitoring, supporting and controlling in school grant utilization. School principals should assure transparent system in school grant utilization. Training should be facilitated by woreda education and finance offices. The implementation of early allocated budget should be reported to woreda finance office to receive the next phase allocated fund