Abstract:
The main objective of the study was assessing the practice and challenges of school grant
utilization in selected secondary schools of Bench Sheko zone south nation nationalities and
people’s region. A descriptive survey design was employed and the mixed research approach
was used to support the study with both qualitative and quantitative data. Simple random
sampling was used to select secondary schools in the zone. Thus, seven secondary schools were
randomly selected and data were collected from a total of 85(59%) proportionally selected
teachers, 38 (100%) school leaders, 4 (100%) WEO heads, 4(100%) Woreda finance and
development office auditor and 7 parent teacher association chairperson. Both primary and
secondary sources of data were used for the study. The data were collected from both primary
and secondary sources; primary data was collected through questionnaires and an interview
guides. Quantitative data were analyzed employing descriptive statistical methods such as
percentage, mean, standard deviation and one tailed t-test using the statistical software (SPSS
version-20). Qualitative data were analyzed through narration. The analysis result revealed that
there were limitations with in the schools in participating stake holders in school grant
utilization planning and implementation and evaluation process. lack of financially skilled man
power, lack of relevant training, absence of internal and external auditing activity, delay in
releasing budget, interferences of school principal, engagement of school management on
different duties were found to be the major challenges of school grant financial utilization in
secondary schools of the zone. Based on the major findings of the study it was concluded that the
schools lacked active participation of stakeholders, capable human resource in financial
resources management, limitations in practicing financial rules and regulations. Finally, it was
recommended that the Woreda educational office and schools should take measures to improve
the participation of stakeholder, employ financially skilled manpower, release school grant
budget timely, schools should report budget performance to the concerned bodies, and regular
auditing should be carried out by the Woreda education and finance office.
