Decentralization

Definition:

Decentralization is an organizational structure by which sub-units are held accountable for certain outcomes and are given the resources and power to achieve them.

Belief:

We believe that schools should have the autonomy to set goals and solve problems specific to their schools.

Corollaries:

• The school should be the primary decision-making unit in the organization.
   
• Good schools are most likely to emerge and flourish under conditions of local autonomy.
   
• With increased levels of autonomy come increased levels of accountability.
   
• Autonomous schools can respond much more quickly to the need for change.
   
• An entrepreneurial approach to achieving school goals and solving school problems increases levels of satisfaction, and feelings of professional and personal empowerment.

Guidelines:

• Schools should be given the resources, the power, and the responsibility to solve problems and pursue goals particular to their own school.
   
• School level decisions should have minimal adverse effect on other schools or programs.
   
• Local school decisions, goals, and solutions must be congruent with the mission, values, parameters and goals of the larger organization.
   
•  Vehicles should exist for sharing solutions to common problems.
   
• Schools are held accountable for autonomous decisions, and for certain specified outcomes.

Typical decentralized elements include (but may not be limited to):

• expenditure plan
   
• instruction
   
• staffing
   
• solution of local school problems
   
• curriculum (other than essential)
   
• school goals

Centralization of functions in the organization (those which must be done the same) can be justified on the basis of:

• cost effectiveness
   
• equity
   
• organizational integrity
   
• unity
   
• compliance with a specific law, policy, or contract