Professional-Patron Influence on Site-Based Governance Councils: A Confounding Case Study

Abstract

Case studies of site-based governance councils in Salt Lake City, Utah, provided the basis for testing whether building-based councils with broad jurisdiction, formal policymaking authority, parity protections, and training provisions actually enable teachers and parents to exert substantial influence on school policy. Despite the existence of these highly favorable arrangements, teachers and parents did not wield significant influence on significant issues in these decision arenas. Other factors, notably the composition of the councils, the relative power and role orientations of principals and professionals, norms of propriety and civility, the nature of district oversight and support, a congenial culture, and stable environment intervened to transform policymaking bodies into auxiliary units, convert teacher-parent parity to principal-professional control, and maintain rather than alter the influence relationships typically and traditionally found in schools. The implications of this research for those who advocate site-based governance as a potent reform strategy are discussed.