Efficiency of Public School Heads in Managing School Finances in the Context of a Developing Country

This study aimed to determine the profile of school heads, their management of the Maintenance Operating and Other Expenses (MOOE), and their efficiency in managing school finances. Data were obtained from 133 school heads of the Department of Education Division of Misamis Oriental, Philippines through survey questionnaires. The results revealed that the school head participants are in their 40's, mostly female and managed non-central schools (67%). They have one to six years-experience in managing a school with more than half of them received Php 23,000.00 and below as Maintenance Operating and Other Expenses (MOOE) allocation every month. The MOOE allocation is dependent on the size of the school. This study concludes that one of the most important functions of school heads is their role as financial managers. As such they generate and mobilize financial resources; prepare financial reports and submit and communicate the same to higher authorities and partners; accept donations, gifts, bequests and grants in accordance with RA 9155 and accounts for school funds; and manage registration, maintenance and replacement of school assets and dispositions on non-reusable properties. However, the results of the study revealed an apparent lack of efficiency, for some, in managing school finances due to several factors. These factors could include work-overload and inadequate knowledge on the provisions of pertinent laws of the Philippines and its implementation. There is then a need to upskill school heads' competence as financial managers and upgrade their ability to implement RA 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act and RA 9155 or the Basic Education Act