The Effect of the Relationship between Principals and School Governing Bodies on Grade 12 Learner Performance

Abstract

This case study explores the effect of the relationship between the principal of a secondary school within a poor community and the school governing body (SGB) on Grade 12 learner performance. The paper challenges the negative stereotype of the relationship between school principals and SGBs in lower-quintile schools. Much of the literature reports on allegations by principals that SGBs do not contribute to the improvement of schools; rather, they interfere negatively with the management thereof. This paper is couched in the collegial model. Using a single case study, the findings are based on qualitative data collected during interviews conducted with the principal and the chair of the SGB as well as observations in the classrooms and on the school grounds. The study found that there was a good relationship between the principal and the SGB chair.  The paper concludes that a harmonious relationship between the principal and the SGB allows the SGB to support the school, resulting in enhanced Grade 12 academic performance in mathematics. A harmonious relationship between the principal and SGB forms the foundation for the academic performance of learners, as the majority of the SGB is represented by parents of the school. The data collected during the research study suggests that the greater school community must ensure that the chair of the SGB and the school principal have a good relationship and that the SGB is supportive of the school in advancing its educational activities.