2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 13
Available Online: 19 May 2026
Author/s:
Ismaily, Komesha Fatuma*
Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania (fatumakomesha@ymail.com)
Makiya, Rosemary
Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania (rosemariaitambu@gmail.com)
Maulid, Maulid
Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania
Abstract:
This study explored the challenges faced by school boards in managing student discipline in public secondary schools in Tabora Region, focusing on Nzega District and Nzega Town Council. Guided by Social Control Theory, the study adopted an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative case study design. Data were collected from 58 participants, including school board members, heads of schools, parents, student leaders, and District Secondary Education Officers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and documentary review, and analyzed through thematic analysis. The Findings revealed that school boards encounter multiple challenges, including limited financial resources, low parental cooperation, conflicts among board members, inadequate training and technical capacity, and cultural practices that conflict with school rules. These challenges weaken board authority, delay decision-making, and reduce consistency in enforcing discipline, limiting their ability to maintain safe and orderly learning environments. The study recommends allocating dedicated funds, enhancing parental involvement, providing regular capacity-building programs, promoting consensus-building among board members, and collaborating with community leaders to harmonize school rules with local cultural expectations.
Keywords: school boards, student discipline, school governance, educational management, discipline management
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26187
Cite this article:
Ismaily, K. F., Makiya, R., & Maulid, M. (2026). Challenges faced by school boards in managing students’ discipline in public secondary schools: A case of Tabora Region, Tanzania. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(13), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26187
* Corresponding Author