Financial Management Challenges Heads of Schools Experience in Public Secondary Schools in Mbeya Rural District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania has decentralized financial management decision-making to school leaders and their communities. Management of financial resources is essential for the expansion of the skillful and resourceful use of finances in educational institutions. Financial management is the fundamental element on which the success of any organization depends. Where management is weak, success is hard to ascertain. This study explored the financial management challenges heads of schools experience in public secondary schools in Mbeya rural district. The data were collected from 66 respondents using questionnaire and interview guide. The study used simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS ver. 20) and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The study results revealed that, heads of public secondary school face common challenges particularly on budgetary, school accounts, financial reviews, financial accountability and financial recordings which in one way or another reduce work ability and responsibility. The study recommends that, heads of schools should be given full mandate on utilization of capitation grants and other funds, management workshops should be conducted to both heads of schools and teachers, and also there should be a need of organizing regular parental meetings to curb managerial financial challenges facing heads of schools on provision of quality education in public secondary schools. The government should lay down a policy on managerial skills training for the newly appointed and continuing heads of schools as this will enhance effective school management, hence better attainment of school goals and objectives.