By Vicent Emong
Kumi District has taken a major step toward strengthening education standards with the induction and swearing-in of 975 School Management Committee (SMC) members, ushering in a new phase of school governance and accountability.
According to District Education Officer Sarah Adongo, the exercise followed the expiry of the previous committees’ term of office.
She explained that although SMCs had remained operational, their mandates had lapsed, necessitating the nomination, appointment, and selection of new members to continue overseeing school management.
Adongo said the two-day induction was designed to equip the newly appointed members with the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform their roles.
The training focused on ensuring that SMC members execute their responsibilities in line with established education policies and standards.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by officials from the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) office, who emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles while in service.
Adongo noted that the ultimate goal of the new committees is to improve education standards across Kumi District while promoting the overall well-being of schools.
Ben Ideit, head teacher of Aakum Primary School in Ongino Sub-county, welcomed the initiative, saying the induction would help SMC members better understand their responsibilities.
He urged them to work closely with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and parents, stressing that collaboration is key to improving school performance and learner outcomes.
Kumi District LC5 Chairperson Nelson Elungat used the occasion to issue a stern warning against the misuse of school funds.
“Be aware that being in SMC is a voluntary job. Do not use the advantage of being on a committee to misappropriate funds collected from parents for your personal gains,” he cautioned.
Elungat further urged members to adhere strictly to their code of conduct, emphasizing that discipline, transparency, and accountability are essential for improving education standards.
Meanwhile, Stella Amoding, an SMC member representing Kanapa and Totolim Primary Schools, called on the district education department to extend similar induction training to PTA members.
She noted that proper orientation would help minimize conflicts and improve service delivery in schools.
In response, the newly inducted SMC members pledged to uphold ethical standards and work diligently to improve education in Kumi District.
