School Managers Cry Foul: From Leaders to ‘Grass Cutters’

The president of the School Management Association of Fiji, Govind Singh, expressed deep frustration during the association’s biennial conference in Nausori. He highlighted a troubling perception of school managers as merely “grass cutters” and “crooks,” indicating a significant lack of respect and recognition for their roles in education.

Singh pointed out that school managers have been increasingly marginalized, stripped of their decision-making power, and excluded from discussions regarding the institutions they helped build. This “stepmotherly” treatment has contributed to an alienation of school management committees from their communities. He noted the stigma attached to school management under previous government administrations, where they were unfairly characterized as corrupt and untrustworthy. Despite a change in government, he lamented that the challenges persist, with managers still finding themselves sidelined.

In their last decade, Singh claimed that school management had not succeeded in building a single classroom independently, attributing this failure to the lack of empowerment and resources. He emphasized that professional development for school leaders is crucial for the growth of educational institutions, yet often they are relegated to simplistic roles rather than being actively involved in strategic planning.

Singh recalled that in the past, the association played a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of school management committees, providing support for negotiations and conflict resolution. The association also helped update obsolete constitutions of several schools, ensuring their governance structures aligned with modern educational needs.

Looking ahead, Singh expressed hope for more constructive discussions and adjustments concerning advocacy and representation roles of school management in the coming days.

This situation highlights the critical need for recognizing and empowering school managers as essential stakeholders in the education system. By fostering their involvement, the hope remains that schools will see significant improvements in management and resource allocation, ultimately benefitting students and communities alike. The ongoing pursuit for professional development and advocacy signifies a bright future for educational leadership in Fiji, where the voices of those on the ground can be heard and valued.