Education Sector Administration and the Performance of Selected Universal Secondary Schools in Masindi District Local Government

This study investigated the relationship between education sector administration and the performance of selected Universal Secondary Schools in the Masindi District Local Government. The objectives were to: establish the relationship between staff management and performance, assess the relationship between school inspection and performance, examine the relationship between stakeholder engagement and performance, and examine the relationship between financial management and performance in selected Universal Secondary Schools in Masindi District. This descriptive, cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. From a population of 368, a sample of 266 respondents was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table, resulting in a response rate of 244. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS Version 25, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that effective management practices, including staff management (r = 0.897, β = 0.897), stakeholder engagement (r = 0.895, β = 0.895), financial management (r = 0.827, β = 0.827), and school inspection (r = 0.762, β = 0.560), are crucial for improving school performance in selected Universal Secondary Schools in Masindi District. These variables significantly predict school performance, explaining 80.4%, 80.1%, 68.4%, and 58.1% of the variation in school performance, respectively. The study concluded that effective management practices, including staff management, school inspection, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, are crucial for improving school performance in selected Universal Secondary Schools in Masindi District. The study suggests that schools that prioritize effective management practices are likely to perform better than those that do not. Therefore, school administrators and policymakers should prioritize these management practices to improve school performance and achieve better educational outcomes. The study recommends that school administrators in selected Universal Secondary Schools in Masindi District prioritize effective management practices, including staff management, school inspection, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, to improve school performance. This can be achieved by establishing clear policies and procedures, providing regular training and feedback, recognizing and rewarding good performance, and promoting transparency and accountability. By implementing these recommendations, schools can enhance their performance, build trust with stakeholders, and ultimately improve educational outcomes for students. Effective management practices are crucial for school success and sustainability.