Bill 352.

Summary.

The bill proposes to regulate parents’ direct participation in their children’s education and their institutional participation through associations in all public and private schools in the country. It provides that the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación), regional education offices, local education management units and school authorities would support the associations without interfering in their activities, except when those activities endanger the institution’s normal operation. It specifies that exercising the right to conscientious objection does not, by itself, constitute such a danger.

It provides for one Parents’ Association at each school, formed at the initiative of parents or guardians of enrolled students, based at the school and supported by its administration in convening members. It defines the association as a private nonprofit organization and makes its organization and operation subject to the Organic Education Law (Ley Orgánica de Educación), the proposed law and its internal rules, with supplementary application of the Civil Code (Código Civil). Associations could form federations and national groupings, whose legal personality would require registration with the Public Registry (Registro Público). The bill governs parents’ participation and the designation of guardians, as well as guardians’ responsibilities toward the school and their cooperation with teachers and administrators.

The associations’ powers would include assisting with educational activities, overseeing materials and facilities, arranging food, health and sports programs, receiving administrative and financial information, reporting irregularities and accounting to members. In public schools, their representatives would participate in the School Education Project and the budget, and monitor enrollment, attendance, resources and the delivery of classes. In private schools, the associations would coordinate tuition changes and matters concerning uniforms and school supplies with the Ministry of Education, and take part in assessing new programs. The bill also sets purposes involving cooperation between homes and schools, parent training, student support and the promotion of children’s rights under conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama (República de Panamá).

It distinguishes active and honorary members and specifies their participation rights. Each association would have a General Assembly (Asamblea General), Council of Delegates, Board of Directors and Oversight Council. As the highest body, the General Assembly would review accounts and the budget in ordinary session, could meet in extraordinary session, and would decide on bylaws, dues, school accident insurance, elections, challenges, property and dissolution. Rules address notices, representation, quorum and voting, including the requirement that members be current on their obligations to vote.

The Council of Delegates would consist of classroom representatives elected for one (1) school year; it would choose the Board of Directors and assist with plans and activities. The bill governs the election notice, operation in schools with fewer than six (6) classrooms, and removal for nonattendance. The Board of Directors would carry out the Council’s decisions and serve a term set by the bylaws within the stated limits. The bill establishes rules for its meetings and decisions, eligibility requirements and incompatibilities for board membership, and grounds for leaving office. Its provisions could concern families, students, teachers and administrators of public and private schools, the Ministry of Education and the Public Registry.