The Volta Regional Director of Education has inaugurated a newly reconstituted Board of Governors for the Volta Senior High Technical School (SHTS) at Dzita Agbledomi, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s governance and development.

The ceremony also officially dissolved the outgoing board.

Delivering her keynote address, the Regional Director, Francis Agbamadi, stressed the importance of visionary leadership in advancing education.

“As John C. Maxwell rightly said, ‘Leadership is cause; everything else is effect.’ This inauguration signifies our collective commitment to excellence, accountability, and transformational leadership in education,” she stated.

Honouring the Outgoing Board

The Director commended the outgoing Board for its contributions to academic performance, discipline, infrastructure, and administration.

“Though we cannot reward you fully, your legacy is lasting. As John Wooden put it, ‘The true measure of a person’s contribution is not always found in the rewards they receive, but in the lasting impact of their service,’” she noted.

New Board Tasked to Lead with Integrity

The newly constituted 13-member Board, representing nine stakeholder groups, was urged to lead with vision and integrity.

“Your appointment is both an honour and a solemn responsibility. This school has become a hub of academic excellence. Your role is to build on that legacy and steer the institution toward even greater heights,” the Director said.

Declining Enrolment and Infrastructure Challenges

Highlighting key challenges, the Director pointed to a drop in enrolment from 139 students in 2023 to 98 in 2024. She called on the new Board to collaborate with local leaders to improve admissions and address pressing infrastructure needs, including the acquisition of a permanent site, staff accommodation, and perimeter fencing.

“Our goal is not only to restore student numbers but also to fast-track the development of this school into a fully-fledged educational centre of excellence,” she emphasised.

Strategic Responsibilities of the Board

The Director outlined the board’s key responsibilities, which include: Policy oversight and compliance, financial accountability and resource mobilisation, academic and infrastructural development, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of discipline and holistic student development.

She noted that the Board will serve a three-year term, renewable once, and members must demonstrate commitment to these responsibilities.

Commitment to Quality Education and Innovation

Encouraging staff to embrace innovative practices, the Director urged the adoption of School Improvement Plans (SIPs), Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and electronic reporting systems to enhance academic performance.

She also stressed the importance of strict adherence to WAEC regulations in the conduct of the WASSCE.

“Our teachers in smaller schools labour with devotion, transforming pupils of weaker attainment into individuals of superior accomplishment,” she said, applauding the dedication of staff.

Students and Parents as Key Stakeholders

Addressing students, the Director urged them to take ownership of their future.

“It is not the grade with which you entered that matters, but what you leave here with. Embrace discipline, strive for excellence, and write your own legacy,” she encouraged.

She also commended the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for its active role and called for greater collaboration among the PTA, alumni, and the new Board to support the school’s growth.

Shared Governance and Clear Boundaries

The Director emphasised the need for synergy between the Board and school management.

“Strategic governance must complement effective management. Each must respect its distinct role while working toward a common vision,” she said.

She concluded by declaring the new Board formally inaugurated and the outgoing Board dissolved.

“May your tenure be marked by vision, courage, and innovation. Let us build a school that not only educates but transforms,” she declared.