I read with great interest the report “IISD parents to elect 7-member management body” (Apr. 19). You have rightly highlighted the issues currently faced by the International Indian School Dammam. There are various aspects related to the functioning of managing committees. One of the notable points is that although the “Organizing Rules of the Management Councils of Foreign Schools” issued by the Minister of Education vests the Managing Committee with enormous powers and responsibilities, yet, in practice, the role of the IISD Committee has seemingly become more or less advisory. The aforesaid rules empower the Managing Committee to appoint the principal, teachers and other staff as well to enter into contracts with different service providers. These powers and responsibilities must be exercised by the Committee to ensure that the school is run in an efficient manner and on the basis of the guidelines and policies adopted by the Committee which represents the parents. There are a few things that need to be addressed by all of the stakeholders, including most importantly the parents or their representatives • The affairs of the IISD must be made more transparent by publishing guidelines and policies periodically on the website so that parents can provide their own suggestions. • There should be periodic meetings for the Committee to meet parents to explain the situation, actions taken and future plans as well as to hear the grievances of parents. It would be more practical, if members saw parents by appointment on weekends to listen to particular grievances or issues and to take appropriate action. It would be futile to have such meetings for the purpose of giving consolation or assurances. • The Committee needs to strive to obtain the approval of relevant authorities to add space or develop existing buildings in order to accommodate more students. Their ultimate objective and aim should be to develop the physical infrastructure and academic and non-academic staff in order to ensure that every Indian child can be admitted at any level during the entire year. • The standard of education and training should be continually improved with special focus on children who lag behind for a variety of reasons. • The concept of “survival of the fittest” should be avoided. While the competitive spirit should be inculcated, the selection of students for professional or vocation courses should not be based on grades and percentages, which is the present situation. Parents should exercise the right to vote and elect persons whom they believe will serve them selflessly and who will be accessible to them in times of need.
