Facts about Alumni Managers

Section 40AL(2)(e) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that the composition of an IMC as provided for in its constitution shall include one or more alumni managers where such manager or managers is or are nominated. No provisions in the Education Ordinance require an IMC to have an alternate alumni manager.

In principle, managers of all categories should take part in the discussion of all items (including staff promotion) at IMC meetings. If a manager has direct or indirect in a discussion item, the manager should, in accordance with section 40BG of the Education Ordinance, disclose the interest before or at the meeting and withdraw from the discussion. If no interest is involved, managers should take part in the discussion in compliance with the code of ethics without the need to withdraw from the meeting.

For the code of ethics, please refer to Section 4 of the School Managers’ Handbook prepared by EDB.

The functions of a school manager are to manage the school and formulate policies that best suit the needs of the school as well as the overall interests of the students. A manager is also responsible for school planning with a view to creating an ideal learning environment for their students.

In fulfilling their duties, school managers should bear in mind the role they play. Their insight, creativity and energy should be focused on key issues such as setting goals for school development and formulating policies. The specific tasks pertinent to day-to-day school operation and execution of plans, such as checking students’ assignments, preparing the implementation details of development projects for the coming school year and compiling various school plans, should be left to the school principal and school personnel.

For details, please refer to Section 3 of the School Managers’ Handbook.

Although a manager can play the role as a bridge of communication between the IMC and the stakeholders of his/her respective constituents, the manager essentially participates in the work of the IMC in a personal capacity and acts in good faith. As a member of the IMC, the manager should adhere to the general principle of confidentiality at meetings and respect the collective decision of the IMC. He/she should not reveal without authorisation the meeting content, such as opinions of individual managers and information involving personal privacy; or disclose any classified information of school.

For the principle of confidentiality, please refer to paragraph 4.1.7 in Section 4 of the School Managers’ Handbook prepared by the EDB.

The IMC acts as a group. Managers of all categories have the right to participate and to state their own views. Managers should also act in good faith in a personal capacity and make decisions in an impartial manner for the interests of students. Even when managers are elected by certain constituents, the benefits of students should always take top priority. Managers’ role in the IMC is to give professional advice to improve student learning, not to serve the interests of their constituents.

For details, please refer to paragraph 4.1.2 in Section 4 of the School Managers’ Handbook prepared by the EDB.

In accordance with section 40AX of the Education Ordinance, the removal of an alumni manager may only be proposed by the recognised alumni association of a school, and such request made should be authorised by a resolution passed in a manner which is, as far as reasonably practicable, similar to the manner in which the manager concerned is elected for nomination.

School-based management policy advocates collective responsibility and commitment. If there exists a gap in expectations, managers should communicate as soon as possible so as to share common values for better cooperation.

An IMC may establish committees as it thinks fit. Generally speaking, the members and the chairperson of a committee shall be appointed by the IMC. Managers/ persons who are not managers may be appointed as members of committees, but the chairperson of a committee must be a manager.

For details, please refer to the provisions on the establishment of committees in the IMC constitution of your school.